Providers are rallying together to help care for Puerto Rico residents following Hurricane Maria, according to Medscape.
Here are seven key points:
1. The hurricane struck Puerto Rico with 155 mile per hour winds, with several hospitals closing down and losing power. The fatality count is unsure at this point in time, but estimates place this figure around 34.
2. Among patients impacted by the hurricane, diabetic patients suffered greatly. Throughout Puerto Rico, 17 percent of the population has type 2 diabetes and many patients could not refrigerate their insulin due to the loss in power.
3. Due to the large quantities of spoiled insulin, endocrinologists throughout Puerto Rico set up six insulin distribution centers.
4. Additionally, providers are concerned about mosquito-borne diseases include Zika, dengue and chikungunya.
5. Many patients suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia could not take their medication, which could drastically impact their well-being. Jack Ende, MD, president of the American College of Physicians and the Adele and Harold Schaeffer Professor in Medicine at the Philadelphia-based Perelman School of Medicine, told Medscape, "When they stop their meds they really do have great difficulties, not unlike the people with diabetes or hypertension."
6. Many hospitals were unable to provide dialysis to patients due to a power outage. To combat this loss, various organizations raised $59,000-plus to provide Puerto Rico generators.
7. Many physicians are traveling to Puerto Rico to care for patients in areas without healthcare access. To reach patients in remote areas, many providers are traveling on foot with bags full of medication.