Venezuela Seizes Control of Nonprofit Hospital

After supporting the nonprofit hospital for months, the Venezuelan government has seized control of the Padre Machado Oncology Hospital, in Caracas, reports CNN.

President Hugo Chavez said “the time has come to take control” of the hospital, which has operated at less than full capacity for some time, forcing it to rely on the government for medical equipment and financial help.

Since taking over as president, Mr. Chavez has nationalized other industries such as electricity and telecommunications. Though the government said it does not intend to take over private health clinics, the article said the seizure of the Machado Hospital “appeared to be part of a broader trend of gradually expanding Venezuela’s network of state-run hospitals and health-care programs.”