USA.- The United States Federal Government declared this Wednesday the public health emergency in Puerto Rico after the passage of hurricane Fiona, that has left innumerable damages to homes and infrastructure, while a large part of the population continues without electricity or water.
The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of USAXavier Becerra, explained in a statement that this declaration is granted to the beneficiaries of public health services Medicare and Medicaid and its suppliers healthcare greater flexibility in responding to your urgent needs.
Medicare is a national program for people over 65 and people with disabilities and Medicaid covers low-income people.
“We will do everything we can to help those responsible in Puerto Rico with the response to the impact of the hurricane fiona”, Becerra said in the note.
He explained that they work closely with local authorities and their federal partners, and that they are prepared to offer more medical and health support.
The HHS has sent personnel to the island to determine if it needs to contribute more resources to help Puerto Rico.
The Puerto Rican government asked on Tuesday USA declare a “major disaster” the damage caused by Hurricane Fiona on the island.
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Just five years after the devastating Hurricane María passed through the island, which has still not recovered from the ravages suffered on September 20, 2017, the situation is once again dramatic for many Puerto Ricans.
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