President Nayib Bukele has defended the decision to hire 200 international medical specialists for El Salvador’s newly inaugurated Rosales Hospital, arguing that the measure is designed to strengthen the country’s healthcare system rather than replace local professionals.
In a video shared from inside the hospital, Bukele addressed criticism from opposition voices and some media outlets that questioned the recruitment of foreign doctors. The president explained that the hospital’s workforce consists of approximately 3,200 newly hired professionals, including 3,000 Salvadorans and 200 specialists from countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil. The specialists were brought in to provide advanced medical services while helping train local personnel.
According to Bukele, the objective is to introduce procedures that previously were not available in El Salvador, including highly specialized treatments such as bone marrow transplants. He noted that international experts will work alongside Salvadoran physicians, allowing them to gain practical experience and eventually perform these complex procedures independently.
The president emphasized that the initiative is an investment in knowledge transfer and long-term capacity building. By bringing world-class specialists to the country, he said, El Salvador aims to accelerate the development of its own medical talent while ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care available.
The New Rosales Hospital, which offers more than 45 medical specialties and advanced healthcare technology, is part of the government’s broader effort to modernize the national health system and expand access to specialized medical services for Salvadorans.