Multi-million-dollar investment to improve services at university hospitals

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia announced Monday a multi-million-dollar investment in the University Pediatric Hospital and the University Hospital for Adults, both in San Juan, focused on infrastructure and service improvements to optimize medical care in Puerto Rico.

“The health of our people is one of my highest priorities. These investments are essential to modernize our facilities and guarantee quality hospital care,” Pierluisi Urrutia said in a written statement. The University Hospital for Adults at the Medical Center in Río Piedras has received over $22 million in the past four years for improvements in mechanical systems, air conditioning, elevators, roofs, and fire and infant protection systems. In addition, new offices, a restored amphitheater for medical training, and a multi-story parking lot with 380 spaces are being built.

At the University Pediatric Hospital on the Medical Sciences Campus at the University of Puerto Rico, the investment exceeds $35 million, highlighting the creation of a new pediatric renal unit with an investment of $4 million, remodeled bathrooms with $2.5 million and an oncology unit in design that will cost $4.6 million. The operating rooms are also being modernized and a new emergency power generation system is being installed.

Health Secretary Carlos Mellado López emphasized that the improvements are aimed at strengthening the work environment for health professionals and guaranteeing quality in-patient care. “These investments reflect our commitment to those who are on the front line of medical care,” he said.