August 29, 2005
Health services benefit 17 million people in Venezuela

(Prensa Latina)- "Some 17 million poor people, who were historically excluded, now benefit from first level of health services, stressed President Hugo Chávez.

The medical care reaches so many thanks to the 'Barrio Adentro' program in collaboration with Cuba, extolled Chávez in his regular Sunday TV talk show 'Alo Presidente'.

Chávez added that doctors in the program have provided consultations free of charge, have assisted around 2000 births and more than 28,000 lives have been saved.

In an effort to create awareness and help people prevent ailments, doctors together with health workers have hosted 76,000 educational meetings.

'Barrio Adentro' is moving into the second phase that will include the opening of 30 Integral Diagnose Centers, which are already operating, and a similar number of rehab units from a projected 600.

Chávez pointed out that a hi-tech center will be set up in each of the 23 states, plus three in the Metropolitan District.

Six billion dollars from the country´s reserves -he added- were alloted to equip 299 public hospitals with the latest technology as part of 'Barrio Adentro III'.

Chávez blamed the worsening problem with the hospital infrastructure on previous presidencies that chose to privatize health care".