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Towards better healthcare in Honduras

In partnership with the Ministry of Health, UNOPS will help improve the provision of primary and emergency healthcare services in one of the country’s main hospitals – benefitting thousands of Hondurans every month.

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This article was originally published on 30 September 2024. It has been updated to reflect recent developments.

Latest updates

November 2025

  • Two stretcher elevators have been delivered and put into operation at Hospital Escuela’s Medical Surgery Block, bringing the total number of modernized elevators to three. An additional elevator is expected to be delivered and installed later this month.

  • During an on-site visit, Honduras’ Minister of Health Carla Paredes highlighted that this project reaffirms the government’s commitment to strengthening hospital infrastructure and improving healthcare services: “Every improvement we make in our hospitals is aimed at providing a more dignified, efficient, and safe service to patients and the staff who work every day for the health of the country,” she said.

The capital of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, is home to more than 1.3 million people. Located in the city, the Hospital Escuela is one of the country's main public hospitals, providing primary and emergency healthcare services around the clock.

Despite being a crucial healthcare facility nationwide, the hospital is challenged with infrastructure issues. Operating rooms and other essential elements are aging and in poor condition, making it difficult to meet the needs of the thousands of patients waiting for medical care and surgery.

To help, UNOPS will support the Honduran Ministry of Health to improve the hospital’s preparedness and response time to health emergencies and the overall provision of quality health services to those in need.

Access to quality healthcare services is essential to sustainable development. We are proud to help the government strengthen the capacity of the Hospital Escuela and improve the provision of healthcare services for the people of Honduras.

Claudia Valenzuela - UNOPS Country Director in Honduras

The work will include the planning, design, construction and procurement of equipment for six operating rooms as well as the construction of the facility's Temporary Equipment and Sterilization Centre.

“UNOPS will be launching an international tender for the remodeling of the operating rooms that have been closed. This will be a high-quality project in accordance with international surgical standards,” said Carla Paredes, Health Minister of Honduras.

“With UNOPS expertise in health infrastructure and procurement projects globally and in the region, we will provide upgraded modern and spacious medical space to patients – meeting the highest quality and safety standards,” added Claudia Valenzuela, Director of the UNOPS Office in Honduras.

In addition, UNOPS will strengthen the internal capacities of the Ministry of Health. The project will also include gender, inclusion and sustainability principles at every level – ensuring sustainable development long after the project ends.


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