Resignations leave few nurses in Venezuela hospitals

Nurses in Tachira state of Venezuela are leaving ir jobs, with main hospital of capital San Cristobal operating with only a fourth of required personnel to face COVID-19 pandemic.

Nurses interviewed in San Cristobal Central Hospital said low pay amid a large worklo has prompted m to leave.

"It's hard to see people die because of lack of staff," said nurse Jennifer Leal who said it's only nurses but also doctors who are lacking across hospital.

short of nurses and doctors in Venezuelan public hospital network has worsened in recent years due to massive resignation of health personnel, who struggle to make ends meet.

Nurses' salaries range between 2 and 3 US dollars per month.  An egg basket costs 2 dollars.

Salaries in Venezuela are fixed in local bolivar, but prices are based on ir value in dollars.

In dition to low salaries, health workers are burdened by long and exhausting workdays, largely increased by lack of timely relief in different shifts and areas.

Fatigue has forced many to resign, particularly in last 18 months when ir duties have increased due to care of COVID-19.