The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Enhancing maternal healthcare in Argentina
In partnership with the government of Chubut, UNOPS is supporting the procurement of vital equipment to strengthen essential healthcare services in the province.
Latest updates
5 December 2025
UNOPS and the Province of Chubut have launched a new phase of the project to procure additional equipment for the María Humphreys High Complexity Hospital – equipping the facility with cutting edge medical technology. It will enable the hospital to deliver high-complexity services, begin major surgical procedures, and open an emergency department to provide urgent patient care.
“Thanks to a transparent bidding process carried out through a United Nations program, we achieved 30 per cent in savings. This made it possible to open the hospital today and also purchase an additional CT scanner,” said Ignacio Torres, Governor of Chubut.
November 2025
UNOPS delivered more than 200 types of diagnostic and treatment equipment, as well as medical furniture to the María Humphreys Hospital – enabling the facility to begin operations. Following the transfer of maternal and child health services to the new building, the hospital welcomed its first births.
“This new building, the equipment, and the training we have been providing allow us to offer safer and more modern care for mothers and newborns,” said Dr. Denise Acosta, Chubut Health Secretary.
Chubut Province in southern Argentina has long faced structural challenges in delivering quality public services, particularly in healthcare.
Despite the construction of the modern María Humphreys High Complexity Hospital in Trelew, the facility remained non-operational due to a lack of essential medical equipment needed to effectively serve the community.
To help address these gaps, UNOPS is working with the Chubut Province government, providing technical assistance and supporting large-scale procurement processes.
Hundreds of medical devices – including an x-ray system, ultrasound scanners, brain function monitors and surgery tables – as well as thousands of pieces of medical items and general furniture will equip the new hospital in Trelew, particularly the Mother-Child Care Centre. This will enable the relocation of one of the province’s leading maternity units, currently operating in another hospital, to a purpose-built facility.
The first batch of medical equipment has arrived at the hospital – bringing mothers, newborns, and residents one step closer to accessing high-quality healthcare services.
“The delivery of this medical equipment marks a major milestone in our efforts to enhance the provision of critical services in Chubut and foster long-term development across the province,” said Pedro Enrique Garrigou, UNOPS Programme Manager in Argentina.
“This project will enable the María Humphreys Hospital to begin offering high-quality maternal and neonatal care improving health outcomes for thousands of families,” he added.
During a Hospital visit, the Governor of Chubut, Ignacio "Nacho" Torres, said: "Today, we're taking another step forward in getting the Trelew High-Complexity Hospital up and running, with the arrival of a new shipment of medical equipment, thanks to transparent and responsible management."
Beyond health, the initiative will also expand availability of educational technologies for schools – especially in rural areas of the province – helping to improve students’ opportunities for digital learning.
