Dominican Minister Touts New Hospital's Modernity, Teaching Role

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic's Minister of Housing and Buildings, Carlos Bonilla, recently hosted a group of political, social, and media figures at the newly inaugurated Dr. José Joaquín Puello Clinical-Surgical General Hospital, highlighting the facility's advanced infrastructure and the government's commitment to healthcare.

The gathering, organized by GALA Media Group, included a guided tour for the "Amigos que Suman" (Friends Who Add Up) group. Attendees explored the state-of-the-art facility, which is considered one of the most comprehensive in the region.

"Amigos que Suman" is an initiative comprising leaders and professionals from various sectors. The group regularly convenes to exchange ideas and acknowledge efforts that drive national development and positive transformations across the country.

Bonilla expressed gratitude for the visit, emphasizing the significant challenges overcome to complete the Dr. Luis Eduardo Aybar Health City, particularly the Clinical-Surgical Hospital. He noted that the hospital's construction was only 30-35% complete in 2020.

"Thank you for joining us and seeing firsthand the investment the Dominican government has made in this center," Bonilla said. "This reflects the quality of the facilities, the medical equipment, and our commitment to the health of the Dominican people. Maintaining and preserving this hospital is everyone's responsibility; it is an investment we must protect to ensure its sustainability and service for future generations."

Dr. José Joaquín Puello, president of the Health City, affirmed that the General Clinical-Surgical Hospital marks a significant milestone in regional medical infrastructure.

"I have visited major hospitals worldwide, and I can confidently say that to find a hospital with these conditions, one would have to travel very far north," Dr. Puello, a renowned physician, stated.

Dr. Puello also highlighted the hospital's role as a teaching institution and the high-quality conditions provided for healthcare professionals and medical students.

"This hospital boasts 196 beds and dedicated rooms for residents, which is uncommon in the country's hospitals," he explained. "Furthermore, the doctors and residents working here receive free meals, a new practice in our hospital system."

As a teaching hospital, it has secured agreements with the five leading medical schools nationwide. These institutions will send their students to train at the facility, allowing young professionals to actively participate in clinical processes, observe, and learn from daily practice.

The modern Dr. José Joaquín Puello Clinical-Surgical General Hospital, built by the Ministry of Housing and Buildings (Mived) and recently inaugurated by President Luis Abinader, features 232 inpatient beds, 14 operating rooms, 48 hemodialysis stations, and specialized areas for intensive care, maternity, pediatrics, outpatient consultations, and medical residences. It is positioned as a leading teaching and care center in the Caribbean.

Under the current administration, Mived has added over 1,000 hospital beds nationally through renovations and new constructions. These projects include hospitals such as Padre Billini, Incart, Mario Tolentino Dipp, Antonio Musa, Cabral y Báez, and trauma hospitals in Higüey, Jarabacoa, and San Cristóbal.

The Dr. José Joaquín Puello Clinical-Surgical General Hospital will provide free, specialized care to all patients in need, reinforcing the Dominican government's commitment to public health and well-being.

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