Following the armed attack on the General Hospital on Tuesday, December 24, which resulted in the deaths of at least two journalists and a police officer, the Minister of Public Health and Population, Dr. Duckenson Lorthe Blema, was dismissed. He was replaced by Patrick Pélissier, Minister of Justice and Public Security, who is now serving as interim head. The decree appointing Pélissier to lead the MSPP was published on Thursday, December 26, 2024.

Upon assuming office, Dr. Duckenson Lorthe Blema had promised to reopen the General Hospital in downtown Port-au-Prince as a Christmas gift. However, the downtown area has been controlled by gangs for several months. The attempt to reopen the hospital ended in tragedy.