A loan from the Inter-American Development Bank has been approved for the construction of two hospitals and improvements to the health system.
From a statement issued by the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador:
Members authorized with 63 votes, the signing of a loan agreement between the Government of the Republic of El Salvador and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), in the amount of $170 million, and financing the implementation of the "Integrated Health Program II".
The government has announced investments in medical equipment for the 30 existing hospitals and the construction of two in La Union and San Miguel, plus an ophthalmology center.
From a statement issued by the Government of El Salvador:
The Minister of Health, Violeta Menjivar, announced major health projects to be run by the government this year, among which is the inauguration of the National Hospital of La Union, whose total investment will be $16 million.
Construction of the first phase of the Maternity Hospital is underway in El Salvador, as the contractors began conducting ground works.
The investment in this first stage is about one million dollars and the work will take about 20 months.
"Currently, the Maternity Hospital operates in the 25 Avenue south of San Salvador, in a building which was built just over 50 years ago and has serious structural problems.
A total of six companies submitted bids to conduct soil works for the new maternity hospital.
According to the bidding rules, each company presented three envelopes: one with legal aspects, another with technical specifications and the third with the economic offer.
Carmen Reyes de Morán, from the Health Ministry, explained they expect to sign the contract with the winning company in 75 days.
With a $ 22 million investment, San Vicente Hospital opened its doors.
Located in San Miguel, the new hospital has 200 beds and outpatient care specialties such as cardiology, orthopedics, pediatric surgery and psychology, among others.
"Among innovative facilities is the creations of a shelter for mothers and a maternity home,” writes Elmundo.sv.
The Health Ministry announced it will build a public hospital in the department of La Unión.
María Isabel Rodríguez, Health minister, highlighted the importance of having a hospital in this department, in order to support the upcoming project of Port Cutuco.
Further comments by the minister were published in Laprensagrafica.com: "... the port will generate considerable movement of people, so it is important to have adequate health facilities".