Honduras reports increased surgical capacity amid IHSS service complaints

Honduras has reported a 21% increase in the surgical capacity of its public hospital network. According to Health Vice Minister Eduardo Midence, this improvement stems from the strengthening of operating rooms, the hiring of new personnel, and the procurement of medical-surgical supplies. The national network currently operates 157 operating rooms.

In the last month, the Secretariat of Health (Sesal) performed 1,771 surgeries to reduce surgical backlogs. Data indicates that over 10,000 surgeries had been completed nationwide by mid-August as part of efforts to reactivate surgical areas.

In contrast, users of the Honduran Social Security Institute (IHSS) have reported significant difficulties. Elderly patients and those with mobility issues have denounced long wait times, often arriving as early as 3:00 a.m. to secure medical appointments or medications. Patients reported waiting outdoors in inadequate conditions, including rain, and expressed frustration over the difficulty of obtaining appointments and the inconsistent availability of prescribed medicines.