Dominican Republic

The "Plan Estratégico Nacional de Salud 2030" (PLANDES 2030) of the Dominican Republic is a comprehensive public health strategy designed to transform the healthcare system by focusing on inclusivity, governance, environmental adaptation, and financial sustainability. PLANDES 2030 is grounded in four pillars: social inclusion, governance, environment and climate change, and healthcare financing. Its development involved contributions from 150 institutions and more than 9,000 hours of consultation. Key achievements include the establishment of governance frameworks like the Health Cabinet, improvements in primary care infrastructure, and the national COVID-19 response, which was recognized globally for its efficacy​. While the plan highlights achievements in emergency response, persistent challenges include disparities in healthcare access and financing, limited integration of public-private-community partnerships, and infrastructure inadequacies in rural areas. Governance and alignment of resources with epidemiological needs remain critical areas for improvement​. PLANDES 2030 sets ambitious goals through 35 structuring projects to address these challenges. The success of these initiatives relies on sustained political commitment, intersectoral collaboration, and robust monitoring mechanisms. Emphasis on leveraging digital health technologies and adapting to environmental vulnerabilities positions the Dominican Republic as a leader in health system innovation. Overall, PLANDES 2030 demonstrates a forward-thinking, inclusive framework. However, effective implementation and addressing governance gaps are essential to achieving its vision of equitable and high-quality healthcare for all by 2030.