Central American & Caribbean Games Health Response: SNS chief Dr. Julio César Landrón says the Public Health Network is ready for the XXV CAC Games, with 200+ hospitals, 1,710 primary care units, and nearly 89,000 staff, offering free care to athletes and families via the Dr. Luis Eduardo Aybar Health City and specialized teams. Public Health Infrastructure: President Abinader delivered the renovated Hacienda Estrella Municipal Hospital in Santo Domingo Norte, investing RD$103.8M to expand services, add an emergency area, and modernize equipment for 60,922 residents. Tobacco Smoke-Free Spaces: The Ministry of Public Health, with PAHO/WHO support, is pushing environments 100% free of tobacco smoke, including youth-focused dialogue on risks to physical and mental health. Mpox Update (San Cristóbal): Health authorities confirmed two mpox cases in a detention center and say seven more suspected cases are under lab review, with no evidence of community spread; rapid response and contact monitoring are ongoing. Cosmetic Surgery Death Investigation: Police are searching for Emanuel Hernández, accused in the death of Rebeca Brizard during a cosmetic procedure, while investigators verify credentials and legal authorization. Animal Seizures & Public Safety: A crackdown on illegal exotic pet ownership is overwhelming the country’s only zoo, with 188 animals seized last year and more than 8,900 species confiscated so far this year. Health Access for Rare Disease: The Ministry says it has set up organized, sustainable coverage for children with spinal muscular atrophy through the High-Cost Medication Program. Health Tourism Lawmaking: The Senate approved on first reading a bill to create Condetusa, a council to promote and regulate Dominican health tourism with quality and safety standards. Workplace/Community Health: A new stage of the SMA treatment rollout and the reopening of community services (like the Hazleton YMCA story) highlight broader health access themes, while a separate traffic incident in Ciudad Nueva sent a young man to care after a hit-and-run. Tourism Incident: A tourist boat fire near Saona Island left at least 12 injured, with victims treated at multiple regional facilities.