Honduran Social Security Institute manages complex protection regimes

The Honduran Social Security Institute (IHSS), established in 1959, serves as a fundamental pillar for the nation's social and economic development by protecting workers and their families. While public perception often limits the IHSS to providing medical services, the institution manages a complex system of economic and health protections.

The system is structured into three complementary regimes: the Sickness and Maternity Regime (REM) for health protection, the Invalidity, Old Age, and Death Regime (IVM) for pensions and economic benefits, and the Professional Risks Regime (RP) for workplace accidents and occupational diseases. A key current challenge involves improving public education regarding these social security functions to ensure citizens understand the full scope of economic protections beyond medical care.