Dominican President Unveils State-of-the-Art Hospital, Bolstering Regional Healthcare

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – President Luis Abinader on Tuesday inaugurated the Dr. José Joaquín Puello General Clinical-Surgical Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility within the Dr. Luis Eduardo Aybar Health City. The opening marks the culmination of a significant project, positioning the Dominican Republic as a regional leader in healthcare services.

The construction represented an investment of 3.207 billion Dominican pesos (approximately $54.3 million USD). The new hospital boasts the Caribbean's most comprehensive burn unit, a hemodialysis area equipped with 28 chairs (24 general, four isolated), 14 operating rooms, 40 intensive care units, and 232 general beds. These additions significantly enhance the surgical and care capacity of the hospital complex.

During the ceremony, President Abinader underscored the importance of state continuity in bringing major national projects to completion. He described the inauguration of these new areas within the Health City as vital for the well-being of the Dominican populace.

The president recalled that upon taking office, Dr. José Joaquín Puello requested a meeting to push for the center's completion. “Immediately we started working,” Abinader stated. “There was a legal situation in terms of construction and over payments that prevented us from moving faster, but we preferred to do it right.”

Abinader explained that approximately 20% of the available budget allowed for the completion of 34% of the work, enabling the finishing of one of the country's most crucial hospitals. He emphasized that his administration’s policy is to follow through on projects, regardless of who initiated them, asserting that public funds should not be left idle.

The head of state praised the newly inaugurated surgical center as one of the most modern in the region. He urged managers and volunteers to maintain the facility in optimal condition. “This hospital must be cared for, because it belongs to the Dominican people and is an example of how to administer with transparency and efficiency,” he affirmed.

Abinader highlighted the efficient management of the Health City's centers, noting they operate with sufficient budgets and no debt. He reiterated the government's commitment to further improving health services across all regions, despite the progress made.

The president also mentioned other significant infrastructure projects in various provinces, including the first maternal-infant hospital in the south, located in Jaime Sánchez; a trauma hospital in Azua; a second center in San Cristóbal; and new units in Higüey, Valverde, and Villa Vázquez. He also referenced the launch of an oncology network in Santiago, featuring the Cabral y Báez hospital, to spare patients the need to travel to Santo Domingo for care.

“We are advancing; the numbers and statistics are there, but above all, there is the passion, the decision, and the obsession of this Government to continue improving much more,” President Abinader declared.

He concluded by thanking Dr. Puello, whom he described as the "inspiring force" behind the project, for his dedication to service, love for society and patients, and commitment to the nation.

The new hospital, situated in Block C of the Health City, integrates clinical, surgical, and emergency care in one location. It features cutting-edge technology and spaces designed to provide dignified, quality attention to all citizens.

Carlos Bonilla, Minister of Housing and Buildings, stated that the hospital's opening represents national pride, solidifying the country's regional standing. “A modern hospital that will save more lives, give more hope, and confirms that when we work with commitment, extraordinary things can be achieved.”

Mario Lama, director of the National Health Service (SNS), highlighted historical advancements in the health sector under President Abinader's administration, including the delivery of 80 new or renovated and fully equipped hospitals.

Lama noted that the number of maternal-infant hospitals in Greater Santo Domingo has doubled, with the complete reconstruction of the Women's Maternal Hospital and the inauguration of a new Maternal-Infant Hospital within the Health City. Additionally, pediatric hospital capacity increased by 50% with the new Santo Socorro Hospital. These achievements, he asserted, represent unprecedented progress over five years, surpassing any previous administration in the country.

Lama clarified that the hospital's opening will occur in phases, beginning October 20 with the launch of the Burn Unit, fully staffed, and the second floor, which includes 16 ICU units, three operating rooms, laboratories, imaging services, and part of the third-floor inpatient area.

On November 24, the clinical-surgical hospital, five operating rooms, and the remainder of the third-floor inpatient area will open. The other surgical block, the fourth floor, and the sixth floor will open on January 1, making all hospital services fully operational from that date.

Dr. José Joaquín Puello, president of the Health City, expressed gratitude to President Abinader for his decision to complete the project. He noted that without the president's intervention, the completion process would still be ongoing.

Puello emphasized that the new center is equipped to perform all procedures common in modern hospitals worldwide.

The inauguration of the Clinical-Surgical Hospital completes a series of deliveries that began in December 2021 with the B2 outpatient consultation building, followed by Building A in August 2024 for administrative, auditorium, and teaching services, and the B1 Maternal-Infant building in December 2024, specializing in pediatric and adult emergencies, obstetrics, pediatrics, neonatal and gynecological ICUs, operating rooms, and a dialysis unit.

With this final delivery, the Dr. Luis Eduardo Aybar Health City solidifies its position as the leading national and regional reference hospital center, providing comprehensive care across multiple specialties and strengthening the Dominican health system's capacity.

Attendees at the event included Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza, Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz, Independence province Senator Dagoberto Adames, National District Mayor Carolina Mejía, Infotep Director Rafael Santos Badía, Metropolitan Regional Health Service Director Edisson Rafael Féliz, National Hemocenter Director Pedro Sing Ureña, and Deputies Elías Matos, Vicente Sánchez, and Liz Mieses.