A. M. The Legislative Assembly approved with 56 votes the signing of a loan agreement for US$120 million with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to finance the “Improving Health Care in El Salvador” project. The objective is to modernize the first level of medical care, improve infrastructure, and strengthen the operational capacity of the Ministry of Health.
Deputy David Cupido explained that the funds will be used in three main areas: infrastructure, medical equipment, and personnel training. Regarding infrastructure, a network of modern and safe health centers will be built and remodeled to guarantee better attention to the population and better conditions for the sector’s workers.
The second axis contemplates the acquisition of medical and laboratory equipment, materials, and technology to treat common diseases such as flu and diarrhea more effectively. This will improve diagnosis and treatment in first level health centers.
The third improvement is focused on human resources. Medical and administrative personnel, including promoters, pharmacists, and health inspectors, will be trained to provide more efficient, humane and specialized care. Capacity building also aims to prepare the system to respond to future health crises.
Of the total loan, US$93.3 million will be used to improve infrastructure and purchase medical equipment; US$22.9 million will be used to strengthen the Ministry of Health’s operations; and US$3.8 million will be used for project administration, supervision, and audits. The congressman emphasized that this investment is part of a strategic vision of the Government to improve essential services such as health, education, and infrastructure.
