CHICAGO (WLS) — On Monday, community leaders and politicians gathered to insist that Weiss Hospital be reopened, stating they are determined not to let the only hospital in their area shut down without a battle.

Local residents alongside elected representatives from Uptown argue that the hospital’s closure creates a significant healthcare shortage for the North Side’s most at-risk communities.

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“As someone who used Medicaid, I didn’t have a car and depended on public transit for my medical visits. The hospital’s accessibility and the quality care I received made me return, even when I had a stable job with health insurance,” shared Peter Fugiel, previously a patient at Weiss Hospital.

The hospital, which had faced issues like faulty air conditioning during the summer, ceased operations six weeks ago when federal health authorities determined that its corporate management did not meet compliance standards. This led to the loss of Medicare and Medicaid support, ultimately causing the hospital’s closure.

Community activists called out the hospital’s owner, Resilience Healthcare, and its CEO, Dr. Manoj Prasad.

“How can an organization that claims to serve the people just shut its doors on those very people?” questioned 46th Ward Alderman Angela Clay.

In response, Prasad explained he is attempting to reopen Weiss Hospital but mentioned that it was already struggling financially and nearing closure when his company took over three years ago. He has consistently reached out to lawmakers to secure grants for necessary repairs.

Democratic Illinois state Sen. Mike Simmons, who represents the 7th District, says the state is prepared to provide the hospital with $4 million in return for proof of how the money will be spent.

“I can’t tell you how many times we have sat in the hospital with Dr. Prasad and his staff to find out everything they need to make this a state-of-the-art facility,” Simmons said.

Wednesday is the deadline to appeal the termination letter from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services. Prasad says he plans to file the appeal on time in hopes of reopening the hospital.