A native woman died for not receiving timely care. She was very ill and reached a medical center 12 hours too late. But this was the fastest her community could her out of the mountains in Boyei.
Other natives set up a stretcher and carried Isel Payán on foot through mud trails to a place where they could have access to an ambulance or helicopter. Yet, the woman died on Sunday from a complication of appendicitis.
Mario Redondo, legislator from the Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA), believes the native woman died from the general oblivion faced by this population.
We sometimes think of indigenous people and believe it’s all about collecting clothes (to help them), but in reality we need a real policy of attention for the indigenous populations,”
said the legislator.
Isel writhed in pain last Wednesday. It was late, so on Thursday the community chose to take her to a care center on foot. They tried to get her on a helicopter, but the weather conditions were not favorable, so the journey continued on foot to Grano de Oro.
It took 12 hours to reach an area where a landslide blocked the road between Grano de Oro and Turrialba. There was an ambulance waiting for her on the other side, and she finally got to hospital in Turrialba on Thursday night.
The woman was later moved to Max Peralta hospital, where they couldn’t do more for her health.
Redondo added they have been pressuring the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) for solutions to the road connecting Grano de Oro and Turrialba, which is blocked.
Also, it’s been six month since Redondo’s party won an appeal obliging both the MOPT and the municipality to find a solution to this problem.
In addition, the legislator regretted that EBAIS from Grano de Oro does not provide care after 4:00 p.m. due to a lack of equipment.
Because of this, the office of the legislator is organizing a care days in the area. Those who wish to collaborate may contact his office, calling the Legislative Assembly (2243-2000).