The Secretary of the Ministry of Health (DS) Carlos Mellado López and the Minister of Justice, Domingo Emanuelli, attended a status conference on the case for adults with intellectual disabilities.
The case, which dates back to 1999, was filed by the United States government after a group of parents of people with learning disabilities claimed that adequate services were not being provided for this population.
“Since I was nominated by the governor, I have been meeting with the federal monitor on this matter so that we can conclude this case once and for all. My commitment to the Court and to all participants in the Intellectual Disability Program is to ensure that this population is provided with excellent services and that the guidelines of the Court are followed, ”said Mellado López.
At the meeting, Judge Gustavo Gelpí acknowledged the work and commitment of the new government of Governor Pedro Pierluisi and Dr. Mellado, and was extremely pleased with the progress and change of tone that has taken place so far in 2021.
In addition to Secretary Mellado, the meeting was attended by the Minister of Justice, the Governor’s Chief Legal Adviser, Lcdo. Isaías Sánchez Báez, the governor’s representative in the case, Lcda. María del Mar Ortiz, as well as attorneys representing the Government of Puerto Rico and the Department of Health. Likewise, Lcdo. Alfredo Castellanos, Federal Monitor and Lcdo. Richard Farano, who represents the United States government in the case. DS staff participated in the conference.
“It was an encouraging conference between the parties, the federal regulator and the Honorable Judge Gelpí that put the Department of Health, the Department of Justice and the Government of Puerto Rico on the right track towards fulfilling the intellectual disability case. with the determination to end it. It also demonstrates the importance of this government in protecting the interests of those involved in a health program of such magnitude in the lives of our people, ”said the Justice Minister.
Finally, the Health Minister assured that “this server and my team will continue to work tirelessly for all program participants. It is my wish to be able to comply with all those directions from the Court so that we can guarantee the necessary resources and services for this community. During my tenure as secretary, productive meetings like today’s will be held, ”Mellado López concludes.
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