Dominican Republic health officials announce hospital autonomy plan and monitor dengue rise

In the Dominican Republic, the National Health Service (SNS) is implementing a modernization strategy to grant greater administrative and financial autonomy to 150 public hospitals within the next two years. Led by Executive Director Julio Landrón, the initiative involves a pilot program in coordination with the General Directorate of Government Accounting (Digecog) to standardize financial processes and increase transparency through a Public Accounting System.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Public Health is monitoring an increase in dengue cases. As of the current reporting period in 2026, there have been 213 confirmed cases, which is 40 more than the same period in 2025. While authorities state the situation remains within endemic levels and does not currently trigger a national epidemic alert, they emphasize the importance of continued epidemiological surveillance and community efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

Additionally, the SNS has expanded diagnostic capabilities by launching new clinical laboratories in Salcedo and San Francisco de Macorís, aiming to strengthen primary care and reduce the need for patient transfers to larger hospitals.