Christian Smith took over as interim director of San Antonio's Hospital Claudio Vicuña after Loreto Maturana's resignation, who had hired former minister Jeanette Vega as medical subdirector. Smith confirmed that nine specialists suspended their resignations and stated Vega has the technical qualifications for the role. Health Minister May Chomali justified Maturana's exit due to a loss of trust.
Pediatrician Christian Smith assumed the role of interim director of San Antonio's Hospital Claudio Vicuña on Monday, following controversy over the appointment of Jeanette Vega as medical subdirector by former director Loreto Maturana. The director of the Valparaíso-San Antonio Health Service, Juan Castro, requested Maturana's non-voluntary resignation due to a loss of trust, as explained by Health Minister May Chomali.
In an interview with The Clinic, Smith stressed his technical, non-political profile. "Técnicamente, un médico con la experiencia de ella, obviamente tiene las capacidades," he said about Vega, confirming he will not ask for her resignation and it will not affect hospital operations. He also revealed that a meeting led by Vega convinced nine specialists to pause their resignations in protest over Maturana's exit, ensuring no disruptions in patient care.
Chomali defended the decision: "Si no existe la confianza como atributo de una relación, no se puede trabajar. Es de toda y justa razón que ante la pérdida de confianza se haya solicitado la renuncia." Smith was contacted last Friday for the position after other subrogants refused in protest, relocating from Valparaíso.
