Tres directores en menos de cuatro meses: la señal de una crisis persistente en el Hospital San José - La Tercera

Persistent Crisis at Hospital San José

The Hospital San José in Chile is facing a significant crisis, evidenced by the rapid turnover of its directors. Three directors have served in less than four months in 2025, following a history of 20 directors in 20 years. This instability is attributed to various issues, including allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and a failure to address ongoing investigations into malpractice.

Causes of Instability

The article points to several factors contributing to the hospital's leadership instability:

• Allegations of corruption and fraud: Investigations have revealed potential fraud and corruption within the hospital.
• Mismanagement: Issues such as excessive medical leaves among staff and abuse of overtime hours have been reported.
• Failure to address malpractice: Investigations into malpractice are often left unfinished due to the frequent changes in leadership.

The director of the Metropolitan North Health Service (SSMN) has acknowledged the problems, comparing the San José's unstable leadership to that of the internationally acclaimed Roberto del Río Hospital, highlighting a stark difference in professional management.

Timeline of Leadership Changes

The article details the short tenures of several directors, each facing challenges and ultimately leaving the position, either voluntarily or through dismissal. This instability directly impedes efforts to resolve ongoing issues and address allegations of corruption.

Current Situation

As of the article's publication, Aldo Yáñez is serving as acting director, following the resignation of Erik Poblete after a brief two-week tenure. The hospital maintains that Yáñez is qualified for the role while a new director is selected through a public competition process.