Original article: Duró menos que un resfrío: cae seremi de Salud de Valparaíso tras lluvia de críticas
In a tenure shorter than that of a common cold, Aldo Ibani Chamorro has resigned from his position as the regional ministerial secretary (Seremi) of Health for the Valparaíso Region following a wave of criticism and questioning that raised doubts about his suitability for the role.
It is important to note that as soon as Ibani’s appointment was announced, concerns began to emerge from various sectors. One criticism is that he only holds a degree as a surgeon, with no specialization or proven experience in public health, healthcare network management, or leadership roles within the state healthcare system.
The president of the Valparaíso Medical College, Luis Ignacio de la Torre, stated that the region needs “strong leadership, individuals with experience in the public network.” These remarks, reported by Radio Bio Bío, highlighted that the now-former Seremi did not meet the basic competencies required to lead a critical regional office tasked with addressing significant health issues.
At the same time, the Dental Association confirmed that it is investigating testimonies from former colleagues at the university regarding Ibani’s alleged sale of counterfeit dental products, passing them off as genuine items from a Japanese brand.
Additionally, investigations are underway regarding Ibani’s time as clinical director of the Italdent clinic in Viña del Mar, for which, according to the president of the Dental Association, Pedro Tapia, a degree as either a surgeon or dental surgeon is required, while former employees also reported issues with salary payments during his tenure from 2014 to 2016.
Resignation Accepted and Successor Named
Ibani submitted his resignation on Sunday in a letter addressed to the Undersecretary of Public Health, Alejandra Pizarro, in which he argued that his resignation was due to his commitment to S.E. the President of the Republic, the Government of Chile, and the imperative nature of respecting and defending his honor and that of his family, in light of the defamatory events published by various actors in recent days.
Regarding the concerns about his competence and suitability for the position, he defended his background and stated, «I have complete and absolute confidence that these are sufficient,» referring to the certificates that confirm he graduated as a surgeon.
He indicated in the letter that he did not receive any pressures to resign and expressed that he will focus «on the legal actions that I will undertake for my defense and that of my family.»
The Ministry of Health accepted Aldo Ibani’s resignation, and Carlos Zamora, a staff member from the area, will take over on an interim basis.
The ministry stated that «the designation of who will assume the role of Seremi of Health for the Valparaíso Region will be communicated in the coming days.»
This case adds to the long list of Seremis whose appointments by the José Antonio Kast government have faced scrutiny, criticism, and allegations.
