As coordinated attacks by armed groups escalate across Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is warning that its trauma hospital in Tabarre is nearing capacity, threatening to push one of the capital’s last functioning surgical facilities beyond its limits.
The MSF trauma hospital, which has already expanded its capacity by 50%, is now treating more than 70 trauma patients—well over its official 50-bed count. Medical staff are preparing for the worst, as surpassing the 75-patient threshold will render the facility unable to admit additional cases.
“The number of seriously injured patients has risen steadily over the past four weeks. Nearly 40% of them are women and children,” said Dr. Seybou Diarra, coordinator of MSF’s Tabarre hospital. “We’re already overloaded, and we can’t push the walls. We are now creating hospital rooms in the meeting rooms. The medical teams are exhausted, and the intensification of violence around the structure complicates the conduct of our activities, as we are located next to areas that are regularly under attack, with a high risk of stray bullets.”
Since mid-February, Port-au-Prince has experienced a dramatic surge in violence, as a coalition of armed groups seeks to expand its grip on the capital. Once-secure neighborhoods are now front lines in a fast-moving urban conflict, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire.
Haiti’s already fragile health system is crumbling under the pressure. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 60% of health facilities in the capital are now closed or not functioning. Hospitals still open face severe shortages in personnel, equipment, and specialized care.
On April 23, the Mirebalais University Hospital, one of the few trauma care centers outside the city, suspended its operations due to insecurity, as armed groups took control of a critical access road. MSF also had to halt operations at its trauma center in Carrefour following a security incident in March. Hôpital Universitaire de la Paix, one of the last hospitals accepting trauma cases, is overwhelmed.
In just one month, the number of hospitals in Port-au-Prince capable of handling trauma cases has dropped from four to two.
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult for Haitians to access health facilities, and nearly impossible for those requiring trauma care,” Dr. Diarra added. “If the situation doesn’t calm down, I fear that many of the wounded will die for lack of available treatment.”
MSF in Haiti is urgently calling for the protection of civilians and full respect for health facilities operating in conflict zones.
