By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    stress disorder
    5 Ways To Manage Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    October 27, 2021
    Medical device classification and development strategies
    Medical device classification and development strategies
    April 5, 2023
    varicose veins
    Varicose Veins Prevention: 3 Lifestyle Changes to Make Right Now
    May 1, 2022
    Latest News
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
    Chewing Matters More Than You Think: Why Proper Chewing Supports Better Health
    May 22, 2025
    Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
    May 30, 2025
    Choosing the Right Supplement Manufacturer for Your Brand
    May 1, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    stetho-snopes image
    Stetho-Snopes: Time for Some Rigorous Myth-Busting in Healthcare?
    June 24, 2013
    The PCMH and Home Care Data: An Interview with Melissa McCormack
    December 19, 2013
    socap
    We Need to Measure What Counts, Not What We’re Paid to Count
    July 16, 2014
    Latest News
    Building Smarter Care Teams: Aligning Roles, Structure, and Clinical Expertise
    May 18, 2025
    The Critical Role of Healthcare in Personal Injury Recovery: A Comprehensive Guide for Victims
    May 14, 2025
    The Backbone of Successful Trials: Clinical Data Management
    April 28, 2025
    Advancing Your Healthcare Career through Education and Specialization
    April 16, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Hurricanes, Zika, and Healthcare Collapse
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Global Healthcare > Hurricanes, Zika, and Healthcare Collapse
Global Healthcare

Hurricanes, Zika, and Healthcare Collapse

Hudgins.Sam
Last updated: September 26, 2017 2:48 pm
Hudgins.Sam
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

Puerto Rico, with a population of 3.5 million people, is suffering through one of the hardest economic conditions while combating the spread of Zika. Zika is a virus primarily spread through infected mosquitos, it has mild symptoms that can last over a week but the main concern is microcephaly, a birth defect that causes smaller heads in babies. Puerto Rico’s tropical climate along with large amounts of rainfall are ideal conditions for mosquitoes to proliferate. In 2006 a policy, which led to high numbers of job growth, was not renewed by the United States congress the irony is that most jobs were in pharmaceutical production. This caused unemployment to reach record numbers while living wages also decreased. Economic conditions were made worse by 2008 housing crisis. The poor economic conditions resulted in a migration to nearby cities in order to find jobs. Combating the risk of infection is made difficult due to the poor infrastructure and large metropolitan areas. Schools were also defunded which resulted in the loss of a primary source of health information for young children. Congress had previously passed a policy that allowed Puerto Rico to sell municipal bonds that prioritized the payment of investors over public spending. The bonds were federal and state tax exempt this attracted multiple hedge funds looking to invest. Unfortunately Puerto Rico was unable to revitalize their economy or their public services. Conditions worsened when the number of bonds increased and they were downgraded as a potential risk. Hedge funds are filing lawsuits in order to pressure Puerto Rico to repay. Hospitals are currently being defunded to meet payment deadlines. San Jorge Children’s Hospital, one of Puerto Rico’s largest hospitals, has closed 2 wings and 40 rooms to offset the new budget cuts. Currently there is no vaccine for Zika so hospitals cannot take preventative measures, they can only take in and treat Zika patients. The hospital managed to stay open by freezing positions, cut pay for employees, and reduce hospital hours. Some hospitals have completely closed from an inability to pay utilities like electricity and a loss of personnel since most positions became nonpaid. Doctors along with other skilled workers are now leaving the island to find work. The healthcare system will receive more pressure with the upcoming hurricane season. Each year people are injured, loose their homes, or die from the heavy rain season but the economic conditions could escalate the situation. Hurricanes are deadly around coastal areas with winds over 75 miles per hour. It’s easy for working hospitals to become overwhelmed by new patients particularly by those who need long term care. Puerto Rico is not an official state so they cannot declare bankruptcy which means they will continue to defund programs to continue paying their debt. With hurricane season, the Zika virus, and economic burdens Puerto Rico’s healthcare system is in need of support.

Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

Modern Teeth Whitening Technologies Used by Clinics in Ireland
Modern Teeth Whitening Technologies Used by Clinics in Ireland
Dental health
May 29, 2025
stress impact your health
The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
Health Wellness
May 22, 2025
chewing better for health
Chewing Matters More Than You Think: Why Proper Chewing Supports Better Health
Dental health Health
May 22, 2025
Do You Grind Your Teeth at Night? Here’s How Night Guards and TMJ Treatments Can Help
Do You Grind Your Teeth at Night? Here’s How Night Guards and TMJ Treatments Can Help
Dental health
May 21, 2025

You Might also Like

Global HealthcareNewsPublic Health

The Developing World Uses Social Media to Promote Safe Sex

May 4, 2012

The Elusive Power of mHealth

October 4, 2011

Mobile Health Around the Globe: Apple Video is a Testament to mHealth’s Global Impact

June 17, 2013
Screen shot 2015-06-25 at 12.43.01 PM
Global HealthcareHealth ReformPolicy & LawPublic Health

Obamacare Subsidies Continue, Court Rules. Now Let’s Get to Work.

June 30, 2015
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?