Hospital Infrastructure Business Opportunities in Central America
Bron:
Nederlandse ambassade in San JoséThe Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in San José has identified extensive healthcare infrastructure development opportunities across Central America. The region is experiencing rising demand for modern hospitals, especially in underserved urban and rural areas. This includes greenfield hospital construction, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and multilateral development bank-financed health facilities. Dutch companies are well-positioned to deliver innovative, sustainable, and resilient hospital solutions—ranging from design and construction to digital health and medical technologies.
Developments
With over $2.5 billion in confirmed hospital projects across the region, demand for healthcare infrastructure is growing. Underinvestment in public health infrastructure,
Growing demand for specialized services (oncology, cardiology, trauma care), urban population growth, hospital overcrowding and vulnerability to climate-related disasters, increase the need for resilient facilities.
Several initiatives are funded by CABEI, the IDB, and the World Bank. Countries like Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras are prioritizing hospital modernization as part of their national development agendas, offering direct entry points. Dutch companies, with their proven experience in healthcare engineering, sustainability, and modular innovation, are well-positioned to play a leading role in shaping a more resilient and efficient health system across the region.
Opportunities for Dutch Businesses
Costa Rica
- Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera National Children's Hospital Tower: $122 million | 216 beds | Modernization & expansion for pediatric intensive care. | designing, building and maintaining a 26,500m2 tower with 216 beds.
- Dr. Maximiliano Peralta New Hospital (Cartago): $398.9 million | 434 beds | New hospital for 564,000 people | EPC was awarded a contract on 18-03-2025.
- Tony Facio Castro Hospital (Limón): $430.2 million | 127 beds | Specialties expansion in perinatology, gynecology-oncology, rheumatology, neurosurgery and nephrology among others | in prequalification phase.
- New National Geriatrics Hospital: $381 million | 342 beds | Early design & engineering phase.
For whom does this currently represent an opportunity?
Hospital architects, EPC contractors, medical equipment suppliers, digital health firms, and modular building experts.
Why Dutch businesses?
The Netherlands has a strong international reputation in sustainable hospital design, health IT, and prefabricated medical solutions. Costa Rica's focus on resilience and specialization aligns well with Dutch strengths in healthcare innovation and climate-adaptive infrastructure.
Guatemala
- Regional Hospitals (Sololá, Chiquimula): $193 million (CABEI funded) | 240 and 189 beds | Additional sites under IDB/World Bank review. | Typical contracts are turn-key and often require partnerships with local firms.
- Cobán Regional Hospital: Turnkey tender open!!! | design, construction, equipment, and operational handover | Deadline July 2025 | International participation invited.
For whom does this currently represent an opportunity?
Turnkey contractors, hospital IT providers, suppliers of medical diagnostics and equipment, training organizations.
Why Dutch businesses?
Dutch firms can offer full-scope hospital delivery, including climate-smart design, high-tech equipment, and hospital management systems. Guatemala is moving toward decentralization and modular expansion, which complements Dutch modular solutions and PPP advisory skills.
El Salvador
- Rosales Hospital Complex: $170 million (IDB) | Early design phase, stalled but high-priority | Updates pending.
Honduras
- Trauma Hospital (Tegucigalpa): $98.9 million | 150 beds | Start late 2025 or start 2026.
- Oncological Hospital (Amarateca): $40 million | 100 beds | First cancer-focused facility.
- San Isidro de Tocoa Hospital: $58.9 million | 118 beds | For underserved communities.
- Regional (Surgical) Hospital in Choluteca: $61 million | 140 beds | Modular design, specialty dialysis unit | clinical, electromechanical equipment, telecommunications and computing equipment, clinical and non-clinical furniture, nephrology and more | Honduras' Health Ministry signed a contract with China’s Sfeco Group to design, build, equip, and launch a new hospital; foundation excavation is underway.
For whom does this currently represent an opportunity?
Modular hospital builders, digital imaging firms, specialty equipment suppliers, hospital logistics experts.
Why Dutch businesses?
Dutch modular construction and healthcare integration capabilities are well-suited to Honduras’s need for fast, scalable, and climate-resilient facilities.
Nicaragua
- Pastor Jiménez Primary Hospital: $22 million | 132 beds | Advanced design stage.
More Information
Here procurement pages per country and important tender news by BCIE.
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Country |
Procurement Platform / Source |
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Costa Rica |
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Honduras |
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Guatemala |
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Nicaragua |
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Regional (CA) |
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in San José, supported by regional consulates, maintains ties with health ministries, development banks, and hospital procurement units. Dutch firms can receive guidance on procurement, partner matchmaking, and health-related trade missions in Central America. Contact us for more information, contacts and guidance on procurement.
Contact
Interested in exploring hospital infrastructure projects in Central America?
Contact:
Hans E. Buhrs, MBA
Senior Officer, Economic Affairs
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for Central America
hans.buhrs@minbuza.nl | +506 8427 8987
www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/