The municipal hospital of Castañuelas, in the Montecristi province, opened its doors renovated this Thursday. The Vice President Raquel Peña, accompanied by the Executive Director of the National Health Service (SNS), Julio César Landrón, led the delivery ceremony. The work, with an investment of RD$136,624,810.73, aims to strengthen medical services in this northwest region of the country.
Investment and improvements in infrastructure
The municipal hospital of Castañuelas, baptized as Dr. Julio Álvarez Acosta, now has expanded areas for emergencies, external consultations, and laboratories. SNS authorities confirmed that modern equipment, such as digital X-rays and safe delivery rooms, were incorporated. This renovation responds to years of local demands for better sanitary installations.
Impact on the health of Montecristi
Historical context of the region
Montecristi has faced challenges in accessing health. Before this delivery, the municipal hospital of Castañuelas operated with structural limitations, forcing patients to be transferred to Santiago or Mao. According to data from the Ministry of Public Health in 2025, the province registers a 15% higher infant mortality rate than the national average, partly due to deficiencies in primary care. This inauguration could reduce those figures.
During the event, Raquel Peña highlighted the government’s priority in rural health. “This municipal hospital of Castañuelas represents a commitment to forgotten communities”, she expressed. Landrón added that the SNS will invest RD$500 million more in the northwest this year.
Opinions of experts and residents
- Local doctors celebrate the expansion, which adds 20 beds and a blood bank.
- Residents of Castañuelas report relief from previous distances to major centers.
- Health experts, such as Dominican epidemiologist Dr. Rafael González, see potential for reducing chronic respiratory infections in the area.
The municipal hospital of Castañuelas will operate 24 hours, serving around 25,000 direct residents. SNS statistics indicate that similar works in 2024-2025 have increased consultations by 30%. This advance strengthens the national system, aligned with universal coverage goals by 2030.
The delivery of the municipal hospital of Castañuelas marks a key step in health equity for Montecristi, with expected benefits in prevention and timely treatment.
