Honduran surgical backlog reduction and capacity updates

The Instituto Hondureño de Seguridad Social (IHSS) reported a significant reduction in its surgical backlog, which fell from over 6,000 cases to approximately 1,000. Director Víctor Martínez attributed this progress to institutional efforts and the availability of medical supplies, noting that the Hospital de Especialidades performed more than 4,251 surgeries during this period. The IHSS stated it is currently executing 100% of available appointments.

Despite these improvements, patient dissatisfaction remains high. Users, particularly elderly patients and those with mobility issues, have denounced long wait times and inadequate conditions, reporting that they must arrive as early as 3:00 a.m. to secure appointments or medications, often waiting outdoors in the rain. Patients also expressed frustration regarding the inconsistent availability of prescribed medicines.

On a broader scale, Honduras has reported a 21% increase in the surgical capacity of its public hospital network. Health Vice Minister Eduardo Midence attributed this to the strengthening of operating rooms, the hiring of new personnel, and the procurement of supplies, with the national network now operating 157 operating rooms. The Secretariat of Health (Sesal) reported performing 1,771 surgeries in a single month as part of efforts to reactivate surgical areas, contributing to a total of over 10,000 surgeries completed nationwide by mid-August.