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.

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.