Dominican Republic health reports show mixed maternal mortality trends

Health indicators in the Dominican Republic show conflicting perspectives regarding maternal and infant mortality. The Ministry of Public Health reported a reduction in mortality rates for 2026, noting 87 maternal deaths—a 25% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. Additionally, infant deaths reached 1,180 in the first 33 weeks of 2026, a 5% decrease from the previous year.

However, former Health Minister Altagracia Guzmán Marcelino has expressed skepticism toward current epidemiological surveillance, questioning the transparency and rigor of official reports. She highlighted risks such as poor hygiene in neonatal areas and the high rate of cesarean sections.

Data indicates a high prevalence of cesarean sections in the country, reaching approximately 89% in the private sector and over 50% in the public sector. Experts and patients suggest several drivers for this trend, including economic incentives, medical-legal fears, and patient preferences to avoid labor pain. Some patients have also raised concerns regarding insurance coverage and additional costs for medical staff during delivery.