Public Health Minister Víctor Atallah and the director of the National Institute of Forensic Pathology, Santos Jiménez Pérez, officially inaugurated the renovated and expanded Dr. Sergio Sarita Valdez National Institute of Forensic Pathology on Friday, 12 October 2024.
The revamped facility, which underwent a significant overhaul costing approximately RD$66 million, now boasts expanded storage and freezing capacities, capable of accommodating up to 200 bodies, a substantial increase from the previous limit of 20 to 30.
Minister Atallah emphasized the dire conditions of the previous facility, which had been undergoing renovations since 2019. “Today, we are delivering modern facilities that will improve the quality of services offered to the public,” he stated.
The minister highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the health sector, noting that the renovated institute would expedite scientific procedures and ensure the timely return of deceased individuals to their families. “We aim to double the number of autopsies performed annually from 1,552 to over 3,200,” Atallah said.
Dr. Sergio Sarita Valdez, the namesake of the institute, expressed gratitude to President Luis Abinader and Minister Atallah for delivering this long-awaited project. “This renovation will contribute to research and the training of future specialists in forensic medicine,” Dr. Valdez remarked.
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Presidency
14 October 2024