Long lines and hours of wait mark PAN benefits event in San Juan
Residents of San Juan and Guaynabo faced extended waits Saturday at the Coliseíto Pedrín Zorrilla for pending nutritional assistance cases, with some elderly participants affected.
File photoThe short version
- El Vocero reported long lines and difficulties for some older adults at the PAN event held Saturday at the Coliseíto Pedrín Zorrilla in San Juan
- Telemundo Puerto Rico reported cases of dehydration, low blood sugar and frustration among those seeking to maintain benefits
- El Vocero reported the event ran from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for pending appointments, recertifications, new applications and other PAN matters
- Adsef is working on a satellite office to process pending cases and speed up service according to El Vocero
Event draws long waits
Long lines formed Saturday at the Coliseíto Pedrín Zorrilla in San Juan during a special event for the Programa de Asistencia Nutricional (PAN). El Vocero reported the activity was limited to residents of San Juan and Guaynabo and began at 9:00 a.m.
Telemundo Puerto Rico reported hours of waiting and long lines for people trying to resolve pending PAN cases. The outlet also reported cases of dehydration, drops in blood sugar and frustration among attendees. Telemundo Puerto Rico reported
El Vocero reported that images shared on social media and a video by TeleOnce showed older adults who appeared dizzy and affected by the heat while waiting.
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Agency efforts to reduce backlog
The event formed part of efforts by the Administración de Desarrollo Socioeconómico de la Familia (Adsef) to reduce wait times, increase case processing capacity and address accumulated demand at local offices, El Vocero reported.
Adsef informed that it is working on the implementation of a satellite office dedicated to internal processing of files, recertifications and pending appointment matters with the goal of speeding up attention to participants, according to El Vocero.
Where the sources differ
Both sources agree on long lines at the PAN event in San Juan on Saturday and that it targeted residents of San Juan and Guaynabo. El Vocero reported the exact hours (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), the full name of the venue, the purpose of the event and Adsef's plans for a satellite office. Telemundo Puerto Rico reported specific medical issues including dehydration and low blood sugar plus general frustration. El Vocero mentioned effects on older adults and heat-related symptoms shown in videos.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not give any attendance numbers, exact number of cases resolved, how many people completed their transactions or whether the event met its goals. They also do not state what follow-up steps Adsef will take if demand remains high or the planned opening date for the satellite office.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Official Largas filas y adultos mayores afectados durante jornada del PAN en San Juan
- Reporting Largas filas y adultos mayores afectados durante jornada del PAN en San Juan
- Reporting Horas de espera y largas filas para resolver casos pendientes del PAN en San Juan
How we checked this
El Vocero and Telemundo Puerto Rico both covered the Saturday PAN event in San Juan. Details on the agency's satellite office and event hours rest solely on El Vocero while reports of dehydration and low blood sugar rest on Telemundo Puerto Rico.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.