Cali, Colombia – Health workers are navigating significant challenges at the University Hospital of the Valle Evaristo Garcia after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing widespread damage.

The powerful tremor, which has killed at least 273 people and injured thousands more, has critically impacted the city's healthcare infrastructure. The University Hospital of the Valle Evaristo Garcia, a major public medical center, sustained substantial structural damage, with parts of its facade splitting and the rear partially collapsing.

Carlos Naranjo, a general practitioner at the hospital, described the situation, stating that approximately 50 percent of the facility is unusable due to extensive structural damage. "Some walls are no longer stable, some ceilings have collapsed, and it is still dangerous to walk through," he explained. This damage has forced medical staff to restrict treatment to only those requiring immediate resuscitation, turning away the majority of patients.

The University Hospital is one of four major medical facilities in Cali that were damaged and forced out of operation. Six clinics also suffered damage. With an influx of injured individuals, city authorities declared a "red alert for hospitals" on Monday, as public facilities reached 100 percent capacity.

Despite the severe impact on its healthcare system, Cali's public health secretary, German Escobar, described the situation as stable by Wednesday, less than 72 hours after the earthquake. This stabilization is attributed to effective organization, a surge of volunteers, and support from the national government.

The United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the hospital system had stabilized as patients were discharged and new admissions decreased. However, the "red alert" for hospitals in the city remains in effect.

Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca province, is one of the most affected areas, with at least 96 deaths, 1,224 injuries, and 111 missing people reported. The city has also seen approximately 45 buildings collapse and 832 sustain damage.

As rescue efforts continue, the focus now includes managing the healthcare crisis and beginning the process of recovery and rebuilding in the heavily impacted regions.