The Hospital of the State University of Haiti, the main medical facility in Port-au-Prince, was set on fire following clashes between criminal gangs, leaving the institution almost completely destroyed.

This hospital was the only place in Haiti where patients could access essential medical care, including dialysis treatments, and is now in dire conditions.

According to local media reports and social media posts, the hospital had been abandoned since an attack by gangs operating in the area last year.

The incident occurred during an attempt by former Health Minister Duckenson Lorthe Blema to reopen the General Hospital. However, this effort resulted in the deaths of two journalists, a police officer, and left several other reporters injured.

The fatal victims were identified as Mackendy Natoux, a journalist for the Boston Caribbean Network, and Jimmy Jean from Moun Afè Bon TV.
Police officer Daniel Renaud also lost his life, and the injured included journalists Réginald Balthazar, Jocelyn Justin, Florise Desronvil, and Vélondy Miracle.

In response, the Council of Ministers held a meeting to adopt measures to combat insecurity, including the reactivation and reform of the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration.

Following the meeting, the Transitional Government issued a statement emphasizing the need to restore security, ensure the proper functioning of national institutions, uphold the rule of law, promote the country’s cultural heritage, and restore national dignity.

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