A recent ranking based on data from the World Bank and the World Health Organization places El Salvador at the top of Latin America for health expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), highlighting the country’s growing investment in public healthcare.
The ranking shows El Salvador with health expenditure equivalent to 10.13% of GDP, slightly ahead of Argentina and above other regional economies such as Chile, Brazil, and Colombia. The figures include public and private spending on healthcare services, medical goods, preventive care, and health administration.
The data has drawn attention because it coincides with the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize the healthcare system, including investments in hospital infrastructure, specialized medical services, and expanded access to healthcare across the country. Recent projects, such as the development of new public hospitals and the incorporation of advanced medical technologies, have been presented as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national health capacity.
President Nayib Bukele reposted the ranking on social media, highlighting El Salvador’s position at the top of the regional list. Supporters of the administration view the data as evidence of increased prioritization of healthcare spending, while analysts note that the effectiveness of such investment will continue to be evaluated through health outcomes, service quality, and access for the population.
The World Bank and WHO ranking places El Salvador ahead of several larger economies in terms of the share of national output devoted to healthcare, underscoring the country’s significant commitment to the sector within the Latin American context.