Guajará-Mirim, a city of 50,000 residents in Brazil’s Rondônia State, sits on the Bolivian border. Its population, which includes many indigenous communities, relies heavily on public health services as their primary access to healthcare.

But a lack of infrastructure meant the city faced growing challenges to provide adequate healthcare services and meet the increase in demand.

To help, UNOPS in partnership with the Health Department of Rondônia (SESAU), successfully managed the completion and expansion of the Guajará-Mirim Regional Hospital.

The now fully operational hospital has a capacity of 84 beds and includes significant improvements, such as a 650 square metre expansion and new nursing and maintenance areas among others.

“In doing so, we contribute to improving access to services and advancing human rights, always with a focus on transparency and optimal use of public resources," he added.

The new facility is designed with disability and inclusivity criteria in mind. Bathrooms and reception desks are adapted for wheelchair users and the hospital floors are made to ensure mobility for everyone. In addition, a dedicated space to welcome indigenous patients, a garden with medicinal plants, and a bigger ward to accommodate larger groups were established.

The hospital also includes sun shades and large windows to help make use of natural light. Solar energy will be used to heat water and reduce energy consumption while water efficient taps will reduce water consumption by up to 70 per cent. A rainwater harvesting system has also been installed.

"This important advancement will ensure quality care for the local population as well as neighboring regions, strengthening access to healthcare and promoting greater dignity for all", said Marcos Rocha, Governor of Rondônia at the inauguration of the Guajará-Mirim Regional Hospital.