As a result of the economic crisis during June 2020 the number of workers contributing to the Salvadoran Social Security Institute decreased to 810 thousand, in the following months the figures improved and in March 2021 the figure rose to 861 thousand.
According to the report corresponding to March 2021 of the Salvadoran Social Security Institute (ISSS), the different economic activities report a sustained recovery, especially the sectors that were mostly affected by the economic downturn such as commerce, restaurants, hotels and services.
Arguing a possible dumping problem, the pharmaceuticals guild in El Salvador opposes a medicine purchase that the Social Security Institute plans to make from a company in China.
The Association of Chemical-Pharmaceutical Industries of El Salvador (Inquifar) reported that the Salvadoran Institute of Social Security (ISSS) seeks to buy medicines and supplies from a company in China, because they expect that the quality of medicine would be put at risk.
The property that Social Security acquired in San Salvador will function as a pediatric polyclinic, which will include 100 beds for internment, emergency area, doctor's offices and two operating theaters.
Authorities at the Salvadoran Social Security Institute reported that the investment of $13 million includes the purchase of the property, the former Hotel Siesta, as well as work to adapt the facilities, equipment and provision of materials.
Figures from the Salvadoran Institute of Social Security indicate that in June 2016 there were 815,617 contributors, while in the same month in 2017, the figure had dropped to 809,832.
"...These figures, according to analysis of the performance of economic activity in the first half of the year, prepared by the Salvadoran Foundation for Economic and Social Development (Fusades), are some of the strongest evidence showing that the country's economy is stagnant.
The Salvadoran Social Security Institute has announced that in May it will publish the specifications for a tender for the construction of a hospital in San Miguel, with an estimated investment of $73 million.
The director of the institution, Ricardo Cea Rouanet explained in an article on Elsalvador.com that "... that the tender will be published in May, for the work to be awarded in June and its construction started in August."
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.
15 pharmaceutical companies have been shortlisted to participate in price negotiations and purchase of medicines in the region.
The Central American Integration System (SICA) has presented a certificate of prequalification to 15 pharmaceutical firms, accrediting them with engaging in joint price negotiations and purchase of medicines in the region during 2014.
Salvadoran Congress has passed a law that will allow public institutions to form partnerships with private companies for infrastructure and public services projects.
From a press release issued by the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador:
In order to establish the regulatory framework for the development of projects for the provision of infrastructure and public services of general interest effectively and efficiently, the Legislative Assembly in Plenary approved with 84 votes in favor, the "Special Law on Public Private Partnerships"(PPP).
From January to September this year the Salvadoran textile and clothing sector exported $792.4 million, 6.7% less than in the same period in 2011.
Elsalvador.com reports that "The production of textiles and clothing lost momentum in growth between January and September compared to the same period last year due to a slowdown in the U.S. economy and the fiscal crisis in Europe .
Despite a mild recovery in some sectors, the economy has shredded 5.000 jobs in the first four months of the year.
Carlos Acevedo, president of the Central Bank of El Salvador (BCR), noted that the figure is an improvement when compared to the same period of 2009, when the economy lost 40,000 jobs.
According to Acevedo, the employment market will recover no earlier than October 2010.
Most of the jobs lost have been in the transport, restaurant and hospitality sector.
Stats from the Salvadoran Social Insurance Institute show that 42.444 people worked in the tourism sector in 2008. This number stands now at 41.064 workers, a 3.3% drop.
"Jobs in the food and beverage sector have adjusted to reality, as restaurants have now less customers", said Pedro Dalmau, president of the Restaurants Association of El Salvador, when interviewed by newspaper La Prensa Gráfica.