The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors has approved a project aimed at enhancing access to quality health services in El Salvador, with a particular focus on primary health care. The initiative, known as the Improving Health Care in El Salvador Project (PROMAS), involves an investment of $120 million over five years. This funding will be directed towards improving infrastructure and equipment, expanding specialized care services, and developing a health network model.
Health Minister Francisco José Alabí Montoya emphasized the government's commitment to building a more accessible and efficient health system for all citizens. "We are committed to continue building a more accessible and efficient health system for all Salvadorans. This World Bank-financed project is an important step in strengthening our health system," he stated.
The project aims to directly benefit users of public health facilities, including women, children, rural communities, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous Peoples. It also seeks to enhance the operational capacity of the Ministry of Health through investments in digital health systems transformation, supply chain management, and human resources training.
Carine Clert, World Bank Country Manager for El Salvador and Costa Rica, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project: "This project provides a unique opportunity to transform the health system in El Salvador. So, to maximize the impact of our activities, we will work with the Ministry of Health as well as with the Pan American Health Organization and the Inter-American Development Bank under the Alliance for Primary Health Care initiative."
An additional feature of this operation is its Contingency Emergency Response Component (CERC), which allows for rapid access to funds during eligible emergencies. This mechanism is particularly significant given El Salvador's vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change impacts.
The loan financing this initiative comes from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and features a variable rate with a 25-year maturity period alongside a 4.5-year grace period.