Honduras President supports pediatric cardiac surgery program

Honduran President Nasry Asfura has expressed support for establishing a permanent pediatric cardiovascular surgery program. This initiative involves collaboration between national institutions, such as the Honduran Social Security Institute (IHSS) and the Ministry of Health, and international organizations including Gift of Life International and Rotary International.

Currently, pediatric cardiac surgeries in the local market can cost between 500,000 and 1,000,000 lempiras. Recent efforts have already resulted in approximately 70 surgeries through specific brigades, while the IHSS has performed around 100 interventions over the last 24 months with international support.

Addressing concerns regarding the costs of government-led surgical strategies to reduce the national backlog, President Asfura denied allegations of overpricing. He encouraged citizens to verify procedure costs via the official public portal. He reported that 367 operations have already been completed under the current strategy, with a trust fund currently managing an initial group of 500 patients undergoing medical evaluations.