Health sector accounts for 7.5% of Dominican Republic GDP

The health sector accounted for 7.5% of the Dominican Republic's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021, according to a study conducted by Fedefarma, Wifor Institute, and Sanigest Internacional. The sector generated approximately 500,000 direct jobs, representing 10.7% of the labor market, along with 110,000 indirect jobs.

Despite its economic weight, the study highlights a significant gap in public investment. The Dominican Republic allocates 2.9% of its GDP to public health investment, which falls below the 6% recommended by the World Health Organization and the 6.5% recommended by the OECD.

Fedefarma warns that insufficient funding leads to inadequate primary care, long waiting lists, and increased out-of-pocket expenses for families. The report also notes an economic multiplier effect, stating that every dollar invested in the health economy generates 0.8 dollars of additional value in the general economy.