The growing demand for medical care outside the United States and other high-cost markets has strengthened the Dominican Republic‘s position as a regional benchmark for health tourism.

International patients, especially Dominicans residing in the United States and U.S. citizens with limited coverage, come to the country for the combination of clinical quality, short wait times, and competitive prices offered by the country’s private centers.

This was reported by the Dominican Association of Health Tourism ( ADTS ), indicating that the network of member institutions operates under international standards and has bilingual staff, modern infrastructure, and global certifications.

Initiatives such as SENASA’s Larimar plan, which allows Dominicans abroad to receive local care with guaranteed coverage, and “health remittance” projects (prepaid medical packages) further expand the potential market.

“With more than two million Dominicans residing in the U.S. and a significant number of underinsured Americans, the demand for procedures such as preventive checkups, minimally invasive surgery, advanced dentistry, and fertility treatments continues to rise,” they report.

Data from The Commonwealth Fund indicates that some 30 million people in the U.S. lack health insurance, while 45 million have limited coverage, driving the search for affordable, quality alternatives.

For local healthcare providers, this scenario presents a concrete opportunity to expand their portfolio of services geared toward international patients, integrate telemedicine and remote postoperative follow-up solutions, strengthen alliances with insurance companies and medical facility providers, generate foreign currency and specialized employment opportunities, and raise the standard of the national healthcare system.

Backed by its air connectivity, favorable investment climate, and renowned hospitality, the Dominican Republic strengthens its leadership as a health and wellness destination in the Caribbean, offering a cost-effective, high-quality alternative for patients from around the world.

Santo Domingo.— Nineteen tests were positive for the virus in respiratory samples analyzed by the Dr. Defilló National Reference Laboratory, according to the epidemiological bulletin for week 25 of this year.

According to reports, respiratory viruses continue to be detected, with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) predominating, both with a 10.5% positivity rate.

The bulletin for week 25 records a decrease in COVID-19 transmission, with a positivity rate of 5.3%.

Recommendations

The Ministry of Public Health urges the population to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19, especially those in at-risk groups.

It also recommends wearing a mask indoors, washing your hands frequently, and maintaining a well-ventilated room.

It indicates that if the patient experiences a persistent fever or difficulty breathing, they should visit a health center immediately.

It also suggests seeking guidance only from official sources and avoiding the dissemination of unverified information.

Dengue and malaria

In the last four weeks, 16 cases of dengue fever have been confirmed. Through week 24 of this year, 134 cases had been confirmed, and two additional cases were reported last week.

The largest concentrations were in Espaillat province, with 14 cases; La Vega, with 12; Puerto Plata, with 11; San Pedro de Macorís, with nine; Duarte, with eight; Monte Cristi, with six; and Santo Domingo, with six.

The latest two cases involve a three-year-old boy from Santiago and a 13-year-old girl from Santo Domingo Este.

Meanwhile, as of last week, 23 cases of malaria have been confirmed, 22 of which are women and one is a man.

The provinces with the highest number of cases are La Altagracia, with five; San Cristóbal, with three; Santo Domingo, with two; San Pedro de Macorís, with two; and La Romana, with two cases.

From week 1 to week 25, a total of 450 confirmed cases of malaria were reported to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE), with 60% of the cases involving men.

According to the Ministry of Public Health report, the hotspots of transmission are centered in San Juan province, with 226 cases, and Azua province, with 183 cases.

Maternal deaths

The epidemiological report indicated that two maternal deaths were reported last week involving women aged 18 and 33.

As of this week, the country has recorded 81 maternal deaths nationwide.

He noted that 46% of the cases came from Santiago, with 15; Santo Domingo, with 12; and La Altagracia, with 10.

Forty-three of the cases are Dominicans, and 38 are Haitians.

Infant Deaths

In the penultimate epidemiological week, 31 infant deaths were reported. In comparison, so far this year, there have been a cumulative total of 809 deaths, which, according to health authorities, represents a 24% decrease compared to the same period last year.

Caribbean health leaders are to call on CARICOM heads of government at their summit to step up their global advocacy on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health, warning that the region is falling dangerously behind international targets as the crisis intensifies.

With the two-day summit — the 49th regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community — to get underway in Jamaica from Sunday, the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) issued a call for the leaders to reaffirm their legacy of action on NCDs by attending the upcoming fourth United Nations high-level meeting (HLM4) on NCDs and mental health.

That meeting, scheduled for September 25 in New York during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, will be held under the theme, Equity and Integration: Transforming Lives and Livelihoods through Leadership and Action on Noncommunicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being”.

In an open letter and appeal to CARICOM leaders ahead of the summit, HCC President Dr Kenneth Connell called the moment “critical”, noting that the Caribbean continues to suffer disproportionately from NCDs such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers, chronic respiratory conditions, and mental illness.

He said: “As unnecessary death and disability continue to rise, so do the associated costs of preventing and controlling these diseases which place a significant burden on the limited economic resources of CARICOM states – a crisis worsened by the impact of food and nutrition insecurity and climate-related disasters. Within the context of ageing and contracting populations and increasing economic and climate vulnerabilities, bold action on NCDs focusing equally on prevention and treatment and care is critical to promoting a secure and sustainable future for the Caribbean.”

The HCC head warned that the 2024 Port of Spain Grid and the 2025 WHO Progress Monitor both paint a stark and disturbing picture — the Caribbean is nowhere close to achieving global targets, including Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030.

The coalition, according to Dr Connell, sought to remind leaders of the region’s historic role in elevating NCDs on the global health agenda. In 2007, CARICOM heads adopted the Port of Spain Declaration, laying the groundwork for the first UN high-level meeting on NCDs in 2011. Several CARICOM heads of government were in attendance, giving voice to the Caribbean’s commitment to the issue.

Among the key asks from the HCC are: an explicit commitment from CARICOM leaders to attend the HLM4 and include it in the final communiqué of the forty-ninth regular meeting; endorsement of twelve regional NCD and mental health advocacy priorities led by Caribbean civil society; greater community engagement and investment in sustainable, rights-based approaches to health system strengthening; and leadership in hosting a high-level side event at HLM4 and ensuring representation from youth and people living with NCDs in official country delegations.

Dr Connell stressed that this is not just a health issue but a development imperative.

He said: “CARICOM has been globally recognised for its leadership on NCDs, including most recently with the 2023 Bridgetown Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health. As member states meet in New York on September 25, 2025 for the HLM4, let us collectively demonstrate the leadership of CARICOM. Now is the time to lead again.”  (SB)

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