Comprehensive guide to Bolivia's premier healthcare institutions
La Paz
As the flagship hospital of Bolivia's national health insurance system, Hospital Obrero No. 1 provides comprehensive medical services to insured workers and their families. The facility offers specialized departments in cardiology, oncology, neurology, and trauma surgery, equipped with modern diagnostic technology.
Renowned for its cardiac care unit and cancer treatment facilities, the hospital handles complex medical cases from across Bolivia. It's particularly known for its hemodialysis center and neonatal intensive care unit. Popular treatments include coronary bypass surgeries, chemotherapy protocols, and advanced orthopedic procedures.
La Paz
Affiliated with Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Hospital de Clínicas serves as both a teaching hospital and leading medical center. Specializing in cardiology, neurology, and transplant medicine, it's equipped with cutting-edge technology including a modern catheterization lab and MRI facilities.
The hospital is particularly recognized for its cardiovascular surgery program and neurology department. Popular treatments include angioplasty procedures, neurosurgical interventions, and kidney transplants. It also houses one of Bolivia's most advanced intensive care units for critical patients.
La Paz
As Bolivia's premier pediatric hospital, Hospital del Niño specializes in all aspects of child health from neonatology to adolescent medicine. The hospital boasts specialized units for pediatric cardiology, oncology, neurology, and intensive care, serving as a national referral center for complex pediatric cases.
Renowned for its neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric surgery department, the hospital is particularly known for treating congenital heart defects, childhood cancers, and neurological disorders. Popular treatments include pediatric cardiac surgeries, chemotherapy protocols, and minimally invasive surgical techniques adapted for children.
Santa Cruz
This modern hospital in Santa Cruz combines Japanese medical technology with Bolivian healthcare expertise. Specializing in oncology, cardiology, and advanced surgical procedures, it features state-of-the-art operating rooms and diagnostic imaging equipment including PET-CT scanning capabilities.
The hospital is particularly known for its minimally invasive surgical techniques and comprehensive cancer center. Popular treatments include laparoscopic surgeries, robotic-assisted procedures, and precision radiotherapy. It also houses one of Bolivia's most advanced endoscopy units for gastrointestinal diagnostics.
El Alto
This Dutch-Bolivian collaboration hospital serves the rapidly growing city of El Alto with comprehensive medical services. Specializing in trauma care, maternal health, and infectious diseases, it features one of Bolivia's busiest emergency departments and a modern intensive care unit.
The hospital is particularly recognized for its trauma center and neonatal intensive care unit. Popular treatments include emergency surgical interventions, high-risk pregnancy management, and treatment for tuberculosis and other infectious diseases prevalent in the region. It also runs extensive community health programs.
La Paz
As Bolivia's national ophthalmology center, this specialized hospital provides comprehensive eye care services from routine vision correction to complex retinal surgeries. The hospital is equipped with modern diagnostic equipment including optical coherence tomography and laser treatment systems.
The hospital is particularly known for its cataract surgery program and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Popular treatments include phacoemulsification cataract removal, corneal transplants, and vitreoretinal surgeries. It also runs mobile eye camps to serve remote communities across Bolivia.
Santa Cruz
This large public hospital in Santa Cruz provides comprehensive medical services with particular expertise in pulmonology and infectious diseases. The hospital houses specialized units for tuberculosis treatment, respiratory therapy, and critical care medicine.
The hospital is particularly recognized for its management of drug-resistant tuberculosis and chronic respiratory conditions. Popular treatments include bronchoscopic interventions, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and treatment for tropical diseases prevalent in the region. It also serves as a teaching hospital for medical students.
Cochabamba
This Belgian-Bolivian medical center specializes in orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation medicine. The facility features modern operating theaters equipped for joint replacement surgeries and a comprehensive physical therapy department.
The center is particularly known for its joint replacement program and sports medicine clinic. Popular treatments include total knee and hip replacements, arthroscopic procedures, and rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries. It also houses one of Bolivia's most advanced prosthetics and orthotics workshops.
La Paz
As Bolivia's leading neurological institute, this specialized hospital provides comprehensive care for neurological disorders. The facility is equipped with advanced neuroimaging technology including functional MRI and EEG monitoring systems.
The institute is particularly recognized for its treatment of epilepsy, stroke, and movement disorders. Popular treatments include deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease, neurosurgical interventions for brain tumors, and comprehensive stroke care. It also houses Bolivia's most advanced neurorehabilitation unit.
Santa Cruz
This prestigious private hospital in Santa Cruz offers comprehensive medical services with particular expertise in cardiology and cardiac surgery. The facility features modern catheterization labs, cardiac surgery suites, and a coronary care unit.
The clinic is particularly known for its interventional cardiology program and cardiac surgery outcomes. Popular treatments include coronary angioplasty, pacemaker implantation, and open-heart surgeries. It also houses one of Bolivia's most advanced non-invasive cardiac diagnostic centers.
La Paz
Bolivia's national burn center specializes in the treatment of burn injuries and complex wound management. The hospital features specialized burn units, skin graft operating theaters, and rehabilitation services for burn survivors.
The hospital is particularly recognized for its acute burn care and reconstructive surgery program. Popular treatments include skin grafting, burn wound management, and post-burn rehabilitation. It also runs prevention programs to reduce burn injuries nationwide.
La Paz
This specialized women's hospital provides comprehensive obstetric and gynecological services. The facility features modern labor and delivery suites, neonatal intensive care, and specialized clinics for gynecological oncology and reproductive health.
The hospital is particularly known for its high-risk pregnancy management and gynecological surgery program. Popular treatments include cesarean sections, hysterectomies, and treatment for gynecological cancers. It also provides extensive family planning and maternal health education services.
La Paz
Bolivia's leading dental hospital provides comprehensive oral health services from routine dentistry to complex maxillofacial surgeries. The facility features specialized clinics for orthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery.
The institute is particularly recognized for its maxillofacial surgery program and dental implant center. Popular treatments include orthognathic surgery, dental implants, and treatment for oral cancers. It also serves as the main training center for dental professionals in Bolivia.
La Paz
Specializing in thoracic medicine, this hospital provides comprehensive care for pulmonary and cardiovascular conditions. The facility features specialized units for thoracic surgery, pulmonary rehabilitation, and sleep medicine.
The hospital is particularly known for its treatment of tuberculosis and thoracic oncology. Popular treatments include video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), pulmonary function testing, and management of chronic respiratory diseases. It also houses one of Bolivia's few sleep study laboratories.
Santa Cruz
This specialized center focuses on genetic medicine and assisted reproduction. The facility offers comprehensive genetic testing, counseling services, and advanced reproductive technologies.
The center is particularly recognized for its in vitro fertilization (IVF) program and prenatal genetic diagnosis services. Popular treatments include IVF, preimplantation genetic testing, and management of genetic disorders. It also conducts research on genetic conditions prevalent in Bolivia's diverse population.
La Paz
This specialized nephrology center provides comprehensive care for kidney diseases and renal replacement therapies. The facility features modern dialysis units, renal transplantation services, and specialized clinics for chronic kidney disease management.
The center is particularly known for its hemodialysis program and kidney transplant outcomes. Popular treatments include peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, and management of complex renal disorders. It also runs prevention programs for diabetes-related kidney disease.
Santa Cruz
This comprehensive cancer center serves eastern Bolivia with advanced oncology services. The facility features radiation therapy units, chemotherapy infusion centers, and specialized surgical oncology departments.
The institute is particularly recognized for its breast cancer program and pediatric oncology unit. Popular treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy protocols, and oncological surgeries. It also provides palliative care services and cancer prevention programs.
La Paz
Specializing in liver and biliary diseases, this center provides comprehensive care for hepatic disorders. The facility features specialized endoscopy units, liver transplantation services, and clinics for viral hepatitis management.
The center is particularly known for its treatment of cirrhosis and hepatobiliary cancers. Popular treatments include endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), liver biopsy, and management of portal hypertension. It also runs vaccination programs for hepatitis prevention.
Cochabamba
This private medical center in Cochabamba offers comprehensive services with particular expertise in cardiology and internal medicine. The facility features modern diagnostic equipment, intensive care units, and specialized outpatient clinics.
The clinic is particularly recognized for its cardiac rehabilitation program and geriatric care services. Popular treatments include stress testing, echocardiography, and management of chronic diseases. It also provides executive health check-up programs.
La Paz
Bolivia's leading psychiatric hospital provides comprehensive mental health services. The facility features specialized units for mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and addiction medicine, along with outpatient counseling services.
The hospital is particularly known for its addiction treatment program and child psychiatry services. Popular treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy for severe cases. It also runs community mental health education programs.
Bolivia's healthcare system consists of three main sectors:
The government provides universal healthcare coverage through the Single Health System (SUS), though access varies significantly between urban and rural areas.
Bolivia has a rich tradition of indigenous medicine that coexists with modern healthcare:
Patients often combine traditional and modern treatments for various health conditions.
Despite challenges, Bolivia has made significant health progress:
The country continues to work on improving healthcare quality and accessibility.
Key healthcare challenges in Bolivia include:
The government is implementing reforms to address these challenges with support from international organizations.
Service | Contact Number |
---|---|
National Emergency Service | 911 |
Ambulance | 118 |
Police | 110 |
Fire Department | 119 |
Poison Control | 800-10-3050 |