El Salvador, the smallest yet one of the most vibrant countries in Central America, is steadily transforming its healthcare system. With a growing mix of public and private hospitals, the nation has made strides in improving infrastructure, introducing modern equipment, and training highly skilled medical professionals. In major cities like San Salvador, Santa Ana, and San Miguel, hospitals now offer a wide array of medical services, from emergency care and complex surgeries to maternity, oncology, and cardiovascular treatments.
This guide to the best Hospitals in El Salvador features 20 of the most reliable and advanced medical institutions in the country. Each hospital is described in depth, including specialties, number of beds and doctors, and patient testimonials. This comprehensive blog serves as a trusted resource for locals, expats, and medical tourists alike.
1. Hospital de Diagnóstico – San Salvador
Beds: 200+
Doctors: ~300
Specialties: Diagnostic imaging, cardiology, surgery, oncology
Hospital de Diagnóstico is widely considered the top private hospital in El Salvador. It is known for high-end technology, excellent diagnostic labs, and an international-standard patient experience. Many Salvadorans and international patients choose it for preventive care and major surgeries.
Patient Testimonial:
“Their cardiology team diagnosed a blockage early. Quick action and compassionate staff saved my life.” — Oscar Ayala, San Salvador
2. Hospital Bloom – San Salvador
Beds: 350
Doctors: ~500
Specialties: Pediatrics, neonatal care, surgery
El Hospital Nacional de Niños Benjamín Bloom is the leading children’s hospital in the country. Known for its advanced pediatric surgery and neonatal units, it serves children from across Central America.
Patient Testimonial:
“My daughter needed heart surgery. The staff treated her like their own child.” — Sandra Romero, Soyapango
3. Hospital San Rafael – Santa Tecla
Beds: 400
Doctors: ~450
Specialties: Internal medicine, emergency, intensive care
A key public hospital that offers comprehensive services including advanced ICU, trauma response, and long-term care. It is especially vital during national health emergencies.
Patient Testimonial:
“I was admitted for severe pneumonia. Their doctors never gave up on me.” — Luis Rodríguez, Santa Tecla
4. Hospital de la Mujer – San Salvador
Beds: 150
Doctors: ~200
Specialties: Gynecology, obstetrics, neonatal ICU
A hospital entirely focused on women’s health, offering maternity services, fertility treatment, and minimally invasive gynecological surgery.
Patient Testimonial:
“My high-risk pregnancy was handled with care, precision, and a lot of heart.” — Adela Vásquez, Mejicanos
5. Hospital Nacional Rosales – San Salvador
Beds: 600
Doctors: ~650
Specialties: General medicine, surgery, internal diseases
As the largest public hospital in El Salvador, Rosales handles some of the country’s most critical cases and also functions as a training hospital.
Patient Testimonial:
“Their internal medicine team helped control my diabetes after years of struggle.” — Milton González, San Salvador
6. Hospital Centro Médico Escalón – San Salvador
Beds: 120
Doctors: ~180
Specialties: Orthopedics, ENT, ophthalmology
Known for specialized procedures and short hospital stays, this private facility is popular for eye surgeries, joint replacements, and ENT procedures.
Patient Testimonial:
“They repaired my torn meniscus quickly. I was walking without pain in days.” — Marcos Chávez, San Salvador
7. Hospital Médico Quirúrgico del ISSS – San Salvador
Beds: 500
Doctors: ~550
Specialties: General surgery, ICU, oncology
Operated by the Salvadoran Social Security Institute, this hospital serves thousands of insured workers and retirees. It has a full range of specialties.
Patient Testimonial:
“My cancer was detected and treated early. I’m alive thanks to them.” — Ana Márquez, Apopa
8. Hospital Nacional de Maternidad – San Salvador
Beds: 300
Doctors: ~350
Specialties: Obstetrics, maternal care, gynecology
A high-volume public maternity hospital, offering safe childbirth options and postnatal care for thousands of women annually.
Patient Testimonial:
“I had complications during labor. Their team acted immediately and saved my baby.” — Teresa Duarte, Soyapango
9. Hospital San Francisco – San Miguel
Beds: 180
Doctors: ~200
Specialties: Emergency, pediatrics, outpatient care
A key private facility in eastern El Salvador, known for its efficient emergency department and clean, well-maintained infrastructure.
Patient Testimonial:
“They treated my son for dengue fever fast and effectively.” — Roxana Molina, San Miguel
10. Hospital El Salvador – San Salvador
Beds: 1,000+
Doctors: ~1,200
Specialties: COVID-19, respiratory care, critical care
Built during the pandemic, this mega-hospital is one of the most advanced in Central America, featuring over 1,000 ICU beds and state-of-the-art equipment.
Patient Testimonial:
“They gave my father 24/7 ICU care during COVID. Heroes in every sense.” — Gabriel Arévalo, Ilopango
11. Hospital Nacional San Juan de Dios – Santa Ana
Beds: 350
Doctors: ~400
Specialties: General surgery, cardiology, internal medicine
The largest public hospital in western El Salvador, Hospital San Juan de Dios is a regional referral center. Known for its emergency care and internal medicine department, it also provides low-cost surgeries for thousands each year.
Patient Testimonial:
“After my heart episode, they monitored me in ICU and walked me through every step.” — Juan Rivera, Santa Ana
12. Hospital de Especialidades – San Miguel
Beds: 250
Doctors: ~300
Specialties: Oncology, nephrology, endocrinology
This public specialty hospital caters to patients in eastern El Salvador with chronic or complex conditions. It has expanded oncology and dialysis departments.
Patient Testimonial:
“Their endocrinologists helped me balance my thyroid condition after years of issues.” — Lorena Méndez, La Unión
13. Hospital Bautista – San Salvador
Beds: 120
Doctors: ~160
Specialties: Surgery, ENT, outpatient diagnostics
A reputable private hospital with a religious affiliation, Bautista is known for its ethical care, clean facilities, and experienced staff in ENT and surgical services.
Patient Testimonial:
“My sinus surgery went smoothly. Their follow-up was excellent.” — Kevin Melara, Antiguo Cuscatlán
14. Hospital Zacamil – Mejicanos
Beds: 300
Doctors: ~350
Specialties: Emergency, OB-GYN, family medicine
Serving northern San Salvador, Hospital Zacamil offers essential maternity and outpatient services and has recently upgraded its emergency department.
Patient Testimonial:
“I gave birth here and was impressed by their kind nurses and support.” — Paula Quintanilla, Mejicanos
15. Hospital Amatepec – Soyapango
Beds: 280
Doctors: ~320
Specialties: Chronic disease, neurology, outpatient surgery
Part of the ISSS network, Amatepec specializes in outpatient surgeries and chronic disease management, with new neurology clinics gaining national attention.
Patient Testimonial:
“I suffer from epilepsy, and their neurology team gave me a new treatment plan that finally works.” — Daniela Pérez, Soyapango
16. Hospital Divina Providencia – San Salvador
Beds: 90
Doctors: ~130
Specialties: Palliative care, oncology, pastoral support
This hospital is renowned for offering palliative care for cancer patients, supported by religious and psychological teams to ensure holistic treatment.
Patient Testimonial:
“They made my mother’s last months dignified and peaceful.” — Raúl Ortega, San Salvador
17. Hospital Santa Teresa – Zacatecoluca
Beds: 200
Doctors: ~250
Specialties: Emergency, maternal health, surgery
Serving the southern region, this public hospital is key for maternity care and basic surgeries. Its updated ER handles traffic accidents and community emergencies.
Patient Testimonial:
“They were quick and effective when I came in with appendicitis.” — César Valle, Zacatecoluca
18. Hospital El Buen Samaritano – La Unión
Beds: 100
Doctors: ~120
Specialties: Pediatrics, dental surgery, diagnostics
This faith-based hospital supports underserved rural communities with pediatric checkups, dental surgeries, and outpatient diagnostics.
Patient Testimonial:
“My daughter needed dental surgery, and they did it with so much care and zero cost.” — María Carranza, La Unión
19. Hospital Nacional Nueva Guadalupe – San Miguel
Beds: 180
Doctors: ~200
Specialties: Internal medicine, outpatient surgery, diagnostics
This regional facility offers high-quality outpatient services and chronic illness support for eastern Salvadoran communities.
Patient Testimonial:
“My father goes there for regular blood pressure checks and gets consistent care.” — Erick Mendoza, San Miguel
20. Hospital Nacional de Chalchuapa – Chalchuapa
Beds: 140
Doctors: ~170
Specialties: OB-GYN, family medicine, diagnostics
This hospital provides essential care for rural populations, especially in women’s health and primary care.
Patient Testimonial:
“They offer respectful, affordable care in a community that really needs it.” — Cristina Gómez, Chalchuapa
Conclusion
El Salvador’s healthcare system continues to evolve, with both public and private hospitals rising to meet the population’s needs. The best Hospitals in El Salvador listed in this guide reflect a commitment to quality, compassion, and accessibility. Whether you’re a resident, expat, or visitor, this blog provides a reliable starting point for your healthcare journey in the country.