Paulilatino Faces Healthcare Gap After Doctor’s Retirement,Hope Emerges with New Applicants
Paulilatino – Residents of Paulilatino are adjusting to a significant change in healthcare access following the retirement of Dr.Doumit Jihad, the village’s last remaining family doctor. Dr. Doumit, a trusted physician for over twenty years, served as a primary care provider for more than half the population. His departure leaves 1,800 patients without a regular doctor,adding to the 300 already without coverage for the past three years due to a previous unfilled position.
While Dr. Doumit’s retirement was anticipated – he even delayed it for two years to continue serving his patients – the closure of his clinic has understandably caused concern among villagers.However, a glimmer of hope arrived yesterday with the announcement that two healthcare professionals have applied for positions advertised by the local health authority (ASL).
Mayor Domenico Gallus shared the news, aiming to reassure the community. “The applications from two doctors will guarantee us at least three to four weekly shifts in Ascot,” he stated. While the hiring process is still underway and a timeline for service activation is not yet available, Gallus expressed confidence in the community’s ability to adapt.
He emphasized that measures are being taken to ensure continuity of care for vulnerable patients. “Dr. Doumit ensured chronic patients have necessary medications and therapies during this transition, and they will continue to receive support,” Gallus explained. He also reminded residents that the Ghilarza hospital’s emergency room is available for urgent medical needs and cautioned against seeking prescriptions unnecessarily from pharmacies.
Mayor Gallus concluded by expressing gratitude to Dr. Doumit for his decades of service and thanked the ASL for their collaboration in finding a solution.
