The Hospital Universitario San Rafael de Girardot has reached approximately 85% of its total capacity [4] following the inauguration of its third phase.
This expansion is part of a government-led reactivation plan intended to improve health services for the population of Girardot and surrounding municipalities [5]. The facility is now administered by Hospital La Samaritana [1].
The progressive reactivation has introduced 99 beds [1] and 37 intensive-care units [2] to the facility. Additionally, the hospital now offers more than 20 medical specialties [3] to serve the region.
The third phase of the project was officially inaugurated on Aug. 20, 2024 [4]. This milestone followed a broader recovery plan that began earlier that year, with the transfer of administration occurring in January 2024 [2].
Governor Jorge Rey of Cundinamarca has overseen the transition as the facility scales its operations. The shift to the administration of Hospital La Samaritana was designed to stabilize the institution's management and ensure the delivery of specialized care to the department of Cundinamarca [1].
By increasing the number of available ICU units and beds, the hospital aims to reduce the need for patients in Girardot to travel to larger cities for critical care. The current operational level marks a significant step toward full capacity as the facility continues its phased rollout of services [4].
“The Hospital Universitario San Rafael de Girardot has reached approximately 85% of its total capacity”
The reactivation of the Hospital Universitario San Rafael represents a strategic effort by the Cundinamarca government to decentralize specialized healthcare. By transferring administration to Hospital La Samaritana and expanding ICU capacity, the region aims to reduce the burden on primary urban health hubs and improve emergency response times for rural and semi-urban populations in Colombia.
