In 2001, a new legal framework was adopted in the country establishing the creation of the National Health System (NHS) and the Dominican Social Security System and mandating the separation and redistribution of functions of the NHA —steering role, service provision, assurance, and financing—to the different institutions that comprise it. The Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (SESPAS), with a view to strengthening its steering role as the system’s lead health agency, began the transition toward the separation of functions, deconcentration, and decentralization. In 2005, the Strategic Agenda and Critical Roadmap for Health Reform was developed as a coordination instrument for the implementation of the relevant actions of the various health sector institutions, with a view to advancing the reforms.

 Health System Profile of Dominican Republic

The third edition of the Health System Profile of the Dominican Republic is the product of a joint work by professionals from the Ministry of Health and Social Assistance (SESPAS), the Executive Commission for Health Sector Reform (CERSS), the Health Statistics Department (DIES), and the Regional Office of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) in the Dominican Republic. The PAHO/WHO Health Systems and Services Area (HSS), Washington, D.C., was responsible for the final revision and edition of this document.

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Dominican Republic Country Profile - Health in the Americas, 2007
Link to PAHO/WHO country office in Dominican Republic