The Dominican Republic is considering charging undocumented immigrants for healthcare services due to the high number of births by Haitian migrants straining the public system. The government aims to prioritize resources for citizens and legal residents while grappling with the ongoing healthcare pressures caused by migration.

President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic announced plans to potentially charge undocumented foreigners for healthcare services. This decision arises amid concerns that the Dominican healthcare system is overstretched, especially due to the high number of births by Haitian women in public hospitals. Abinader emphasized the need to prioritize Dominican citizens and legal residents as healthcare demands increase.

The Dominican Republic shares a long border with Haiti, leading to significant migration, mainly for better job opportunities and safety. Haitian migrants contribute a substantial portion of the country’s workforce, particularly in agriculture and construction. However, many live under challenging conditions and suffer from limited access to social services due to their undocumented status, fostering vulnerability to exploitation.

The potential policy to charge Haitians for healthcare reflects the Dominican government’s attempt to balance its healthcare resources amidst growing pressures. With a substantial number of births attributed to Haitian mothers, there is a debate on the financial sustainability of providing free services. The outcome of this proposed policy will significantly affect the healthcare landscape in the Dominican Republic and its Haitian migrant population.

Original Source: www.caribbeannationalweekly.com