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New Rosales Hospital Will Increase Outpatient Care Capacity by 380%.
The new Rosales Hospital in El Salvador will significantly enhance its capacity to serve the public, with plans to treat 1,400 patients daily in outpatient clinics, a 380% increase from previous levels. Francisco Alabi, head of the Ministry of Health (MINSAL), confirmed this expansion in an interview with Noticiero El Salvador.
The hospital’s expansion aims to improve access to specialized care for Salvadorans. Previously, Rosales could treat only around 300 patients per day in its outpatient clinics. Now, with the introduction of modern equipment and the increase in both medical staff and specialties, the hospital will be able to serve over 1,400 patients daily. The number of specialties will rise from 32 to 47, allowing the hospital to address a wider range of medical needs.
Alabi also highlighted the growth in hospital beds, with the new facility increasing capacity from 400 to 700 beds. This expansion will enhance the hospital’s ability to admit more patients and offer more comprehensive care.
Additionally, the government is focusing on improving patient access with extended hours, telemedicine services, and a dedicated area for general consultations. These measures reflect the Bukele administration’s ongoing efforts to modernize the country’s healthcare system and ensure better medical care for Salvadorans.
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President Nayib Bukele Tops Sympathy Rankings Among Peruvians in Latin America.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has emerged as the Latin American leader who generates the most sympathy among Peruvians, according to a recent survey conducted by Datum Internacional for El Comercio, a Peruvian newspaper. Bukele garnered 40% of the vote, leading the sympathy rankings for Latin American presidents in the South American nation.
The Salvadoran president is widely admired for his tough stance on crime, particularly through the Territorial Control Plan (PCT) and the state of emergency, which have been credited with significantly reducing gang violence in El Salvador. Bukele’s security policies have even inspired other countries, with Peruvian judicial officials visiting El Salvador in 2023 to learn from the successful model, and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte announcing plans to build a mega-prison similar to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot).
The survey also revealed that 76% of Peruvians express some level of sympathy for El Salvador’s government, with 13% considering it the second most admired country in Latin America, just behind the United States. This level of support highlights the growing international recognition of Bukele’s leadership and the positive perception of El Salvador’s progress under his administration.
In the survey, Argentine President Javier Milei followed Bukele with 14% of sympathy, while Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico secured third place with 9%. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Chile’s Gabriel Boric, and Colombia’s Gustavo Petro ranked lower in the survey, with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro receiving the least sympathy among Latin American leaders.
Bukele, who began his second term in June 2024, continues to focus on improving El Salvador’s economy, while his security policies remain central to his international reputation.
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Government Facilitates Salvadorans’ Return by Allowing Easier Entry of Belongings.
The government of President Nayib Bukele is continuing its efforts to support the return of Salvadorans abroad by simplifying the process for bringing their belongings into the country. With reforms to the law on household goods, the government has made it easier for Salvadorans to return and bring items such as furniture, appliances, and vehicles until the end of 2024, encouraging the reverse migration phenomenon.
Ambassador Milena Mayorga reported that thousands of Salvadorans are already taking advantage of this measure, which has been a key part of the government’s strategy to support the diaspora. The law, which was recently renewed, allows Salvadorans to bring their belongings into the country without needing to establish permanent residency, making the transition smoother for those returning temporarily or permanently.
Benjamín Mayorga, Director General of Customs, explained that the reforms have streamlined the process significantly. “We’ve incorporated digital forms and an electronic signature to make the process faster and more accessible,” he said. The reforms also allow people to apply either personally or through a proxy, which is helpful for those who migrate before their belongings.
A major change in the law is the flexibility regarding vehicle imports. There are no restrictions on the value of the car, but it must be from 2017 or newer to comply with the country’s traffic and environmental laws. Additionally, families are allowed to import up to two vehicles, provided they have owned them for at least six months.
The government is working with service providers to keep transportation costs for bringing belongings into the country affordable and fair, with both land and sea options available for shipping.
Over the past year, more than a thousand families have taken advantage of this program, which is part of President Bukele’s broader policy to make El Salvador a more attractive and accessible destination for the Salvadoran diaspora. By offering these incentives, the government aims to create a welcoming environment for Salvadorans returning home, whether for a temporary stay or for long-term relocation.
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Traffic Deaths in El Salvador Fall by 30% After New Transit Laws.
The government of President Nayib Bukele reports a 30% decrease in traffic-related fatalities, attributing the decline to recent reforms in the country’s transit laws.
Minister of Public Works, Romeo Herrera, confirmed that from December 20 to December 31, 2024, traffic deaths dropped by 30%. From January 1 to February 14, 2025, there were 2,244 traffic accidents—162 fewer than the same period in 2024. Fatalities also decreased by 30, with 127 deaths reported.
Herrera highlighted a sharp decline in drunk driving cases, with only 16 drivers exceeding 100 mg/dL of alcohol, compared to 92 last year. He credited the reduction to the government’s strict zero-tolerance policy.
The Bukele administration remains committed to road safety, enforcing stricter penalties to ensure safer streets for all Salvadorans.
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El Salvador Sees Growing Interest in High-Rise Buildings, with Investors Eyeing 35+ Floor Projects.
El Salvador is witnessing a surge in investor interest for high-rise real estate developments in the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador, with at least five investors exploring the possibility of building structures taller than 35 floors. This follows the approval of a new decree granting tax incentives to promote such projects, according to Luis Rodríguez, executive director of the Planning Office of the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador (OPAMSS).
Rodríguez revealed in an interview that discussions have been held with both local and foreign developers. «We have five buildings at the moment, possibly two more,» he said. «Of the five, two are foreign investments and three are local developers.»
The interest stems from the «Special provisions for the promotion and granting of tax incentives for high-rise real estate projects,» approved by the Legislative Assembly on September 23. This law offers a 15-year exemption from Income Tax for individuals, businesses, and consortia involved in new high-rise construction, whether for sale, tourism, commercial purposes, or hospitality services.
Rodríguez explained that after the decree’s approval, OPAMSS engaged with investors with substantial capital who had previously considered high-rise projects, guiding them through a comprehensive analysis of urban, traffic, and market issues. The areas of interest for these developments are located in the municipalities of San Salvador Centro and La Libertad Este.
In December, two developers had already advanced with their projects, one about to submit paperwork and the other nearing the completion of engineering studies. In January, two more investors joined the list, including Tether, a cryptocurrency company. President Bukele recently announced that Tether would be building a skyscraper in El Salvador, marking a significant step in the country’s push for high-rise developments.
Currently, the tallest building in San Salvador is the Millenium Tower, with 24 floors, while the El Pedregal Tower in La Libertad Este follows with 25 floors. These new developments signal a shift towards a more vertical skyline in the region, bolstered by the government’s incentives and growing investor confidence.
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Binaes Will Introduce Bitcoin Section to Educate Public on Digital Currency.
El Salvador’s National Library (Binaes) is set to introduce a groundbreaking section dedicated to Bitcoin, aimed at enhancing public understanding of the digital currency. This new space, reported by the National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC), will feature a curated selection of books focused on the economic, philosophical, and technological aspects of Bitcoin, along with a fully operational Bitcoin node.
The Bitcoin section will be overseen by Óscar Méndez, a graduate of CUBO+, an educational program for Bitcoin software development, and an instructor at Node Nation. This initiative provides technical training to public school students in the country. The collection will include literature on Bitcoin’s blockchain technology and its underlying economic and philosophical principles, offering valuable insights into the digital asset’s impact on global finance.
In addition to the books, visitors will have the rare opportunity to interact with a live Bitcoin node. A full node is a computer that hosts and synchronizes a copy of the entire Bitcoin blockchain, validating transactions on the network. This hands-on experience will allow library-goers to better understand how Bitcoin operates and its potential applications in real-world scenarios.
CUBO+, which began in 2023, has played a pivotal role in the rise of Bitcoin knowledge in El Salvador. The program initially targeted software developers, requiring basic knowledge of programming and English, but its second edition expanded to explore the broader philosophical and business implications of Bitcoin. As a result, nearly 200 Salvadorans have been trained through the program, many of whom now work in both national and international Bitcoin companies.
Óscar Méndez, a key figure in the initiative, also leads Node Nation, which offers educational resources to public schools, further reinforcing the Salvadoran government’s commitment to promoting Bitcoin literacy. This new library section is another step towards fostering greater understanding of the digital currency in El Salvador.
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President Bukele’s Intellectual Property Reform Comes Into Force.
The Executive Director of the National Registry Center (CNR), Camilo Trigueros, has announced that El Salvador’s new Intellectual Property Law officially came into effect this Monday, February 17. The law, promoted by President Nayib Bukele, replaces the previous regulations that had been repealed since August 2024.
“This new legislation simplifies several aspects of intellectual property. Previously, our regulations were scattered across multiple laws, making it difficult to process applications and leverage intellectual property for economic benefits. Now, all aspects are consolidated into a single law,” Trigueros stated in a televised interview.
The new law aims to protect innovation and creativity while facilitating the dissemination of information, knowledge, technology, culture, and the arts. Additionally, it prioritizes the direct benefits of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creators, and innovators, ensuring broader accessibility to intellectual property rights.
Trigueros also highlighted that registration procedures have been simplified and made more affordable, particularly for trademark registrations—the most in-demand service. Entrepreneurs can now complete the process online, with their applications being published electronically through the institution’s official bulletin.
“This is part of the improvements and advancements we are making as an institution,” Trigueros emphasized.
Furthermore, the law establishes the Salvadoran Institute of Intellectual Property (ISPI), which will be responsible for managing applications and mediating disputes related to intellectual property rights.
With this reform, El Salvador seeks to modernize and streamline its intellectual property framework, fostering a more efficient and business-friendly environment.
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El Salvador’s Economic Transformation Takes Center Stage at CAF Forum 2025.
El Salvador’s transformation was a key topic at the Latin America and Caribbean Economic Forum 2025, organized by the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) and held recently in Panama. The event provided a platform for the country to present its economic, fiscal, and cultural advancements, as well as improvements in early childhood care—achievements that have been reinforced by the security measures implemented by the administration of President Nayib Bukele.
El Salvador’s Minister of Economy, María Luisa Hayem, emphasized the significant impact of the country’s security reforms on its economic growth.
“In a short period of time, El Salvador managed to remove the biggest barrier to economic growth and the people’s freedom, which was insecurity,” Hayem stated.
She highlighted the growing interest from delegations across Latin America, who are looking at El Salvador as a model for transformation.
“The country is now an example for Latin America. As Minister of Economy and as a Salvadoran, it is impressive to see this recognition. People approach us to learn from our experience over the past five and a half years, even calling us ‘the miracle of Latin America,’” she added.
Hayem also pointed out the holistic approach of the government, which spans from early childhood initiatives led by the Office of the First Lady to business-friendly reforms aimed at attracting investment.
“By reducing bureaucracy, improving the business climate, and strengthening legal certainty, we have positioned El Salvador as a top destination for investment,” she explained.
The Law of Innovation and Technological Manufacturing, passed a year ago, has already attracted more than 40 companies to establish operations in the country. Furthermore, El Salvador continues to hold discussions with investors from the United States, Europe, and South America, showcasing diversification not only in geographic interest but also across industries.
Hayem also reiterated that CAF remains a key partner for El Salvador, supporting major projects such as state digitalization, the Pacific International Airport, and the national telemedicine initiative.
With its ongoing economic and security reforms, El Salvador continues to solidify its position as one of Latin America’s most dynamic and promising economies.
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Textiles, Plastics, and Sugar Drive El Salvador’s Export Growth.
El Salvador’s export sector remained strong in 2024, surpassing $6.44 billion in total goods exported, according to the Central Reserve Bank (BCR). T-shirts continued to be the country’s leading export, showcasing the strength of the textile industry, while other key sectors, such as plastic packaging and sugar, demonstrated notable growth.
T-shirts accounted for $590.9 million in exports, representing 9.17% of the total export basket. Despite fluctuations, the apparel sector maintained its position as a cornerstone of El Salvador’s economy, reinforcing the country’s long-standing expertise in textile manufacturing. Sweaters, pullovers, and cardigans also contributed significantly, generating $386.6 million and holding a 6% share of exports. Together, these two categories highlight El Salvador’s competitive edge in the global apparel market.
Beyond textiles, the country saw positive trends in various industries. Plastic transportation and packaging articles experienced growth, reaching $306.2 million in exports—an increase of $9.5 million (3.2%) from 2023. Sugar exports also expanded, totaling $241.2 million, a 2.4% increase, reaffirming its role as the leading agricultural product.
Additionally, El Salvador maintained its strong presence in the global paper industry, with toilet paper exports reaching $191.9 million. The country continues to rank among the world’s top producers, securing the ninth position globally, according to Trade Map, a database managed by the International Trade Centre (ITC) of the United Nations.
El Salvador’s Top 5 Export Products in 2024
1. T-shirts and camisetas – $590.9 million
2. Sweaters and pullovers – $386.6 million
3. Plastic transportation articles – $306.2 million
4. Sugar – $241.2 million
5. Toilet paper – $191.9 million
El Salvador’s diversified export base, with a mix of textile, plastic, and agricultural products, continues to position the country as a key player in global trade. As industries evolve and expand, the nation’s export sector remains resilient, offering a strong foundation for future economic growth.
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Chivo Pets Hospital Now Offers Cardiology Services, Handles 200 Daily Hospitalizations.
Chivo Pets Veterinary Hospital celebrates three years of service, having provided over 1.7 million pet care services in 2024 alone. According to director Melvyn Rogel, the hospital performs between 30 and 80 surgeries daily, totaling up to 2,000 per month, with an average of 200 daily hospitalizations.
Recently, Chivo Pets expanded with a specialized cardiology unit, featuring advanced medical equipment like a high-quality echocardiograph and digital X-ray systems. “We started with fewer than 200 staff members; now, we have over 500,” Rogel said on Punto de Vista on Radio YSKL, highlighting the hospital’s growth and commitment to high-quality care.
The facility also treats exotic and wild animals, requiring owners to register them with the Ministry of Environment. It works closely with the Animal Welfare Institute (IBA) to assist abused or injured pets.
Most patients come from central El Salvador, but the hospital is open to pet owners nationwide. Services cost $0.25 when paid via Chivo Wallet or other Bitcoin wallets. Consultations run from 7 AM to 10 PM, with emergency services available 24/7.
Rogel emphasized the importance of vaccinations and deworming to prevent diseases like distemper, which peaks in December and January. Chivo Pets continues to expand its services to enhance pet health across El Salvador.