Peruvian authorities threaten to temporarily nationalize private clinics

Private clinics in Peru can be taken over by the state if their owners do not make a deal with the government within 48 hours, Peruvian President Martin Viscarra said on state television. It is noted that the owners of private clinics for three weeks cannot agree with the Peruvian authorities on the cost of providing services for patients with coronavirus infection. Local media noted that private hospitals put too high a price for medical care, especially seriously ill ones. We can't wait indefinitely. We can do this, because the law and constitution are on our side, Viscarra said. He noted that the law allows the expropriation of private property for the needs of national security. However, the Constitution only requires monetary compensation for such actions. At the same time, Viskarra emphasized that the nationalization of private clinics will be valid only during the pandemic of coronavirus infection. According to the news agency, by June 24, 260,810 cases of coronavirus of a new type were confirmed in Peru. The victims of COVID-19 complications in the country were 8,404 people.