Santo Domingo.– The Ministry of Public Health urged the population to verify that the establishments where they receive medical care have a valid license, highlighting that this process guarantees compliance with the necessary requirements to offer safe and quality services.
Citizens can perform the inquiry free of charge through the institution’s official portal, in the “Authorized Establishments” section, where it is possible to verify if a clinic, hospital, doctor’s office, laboratory, imaging center, or other health service possesses the corresponding license to operate.
How to verify a health center or a professional
In addition to checking whether an establishment is authorized, the Ministry reminded that the “Health Professional Exequatur Inquiry” tool is also available, through which users can confirm whether the doctor who will provide them with care has the exequatur that legally accredits them to practice the profession in the country.
The authorities explained that both verifications seek to provide greater safety for patients and encourage the population to go only to duly authorized centers and professionals.
What does the authorization guarantee?
The Ministry explained that authorization is the procedure by which it is certified that health establishments, both public and private, comply with the quality standards established by national regulations.
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To obtain this license, the authorities evaluate aspects related to infrastructure, human resources, equipment, and the general operation of the center, with the aim of protecting patient health and ensuring safe, high-quality medical care.
The institution reiterated that it will continue to strengthen the mechanisms for regulation, supervision, and surveillance of health services to ensure timely and reliable care throughout the national territory.
Likewise, he recommended that citizens verify that the health center has a valid authorization before receiving care and confirm that the professional possesses the exequatur authorized to practice in the Dominican Republic.
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The licensing of health facilities is a mandatory requirement in the Dominican Republic, established by the Ministry of Public Health (MSP), to ensure that health centers, both public and private, meet the minimum quality and safety standards before offering services to the population.
This process is supported by General Health Law No. 42-01 and Regulation No. 1138-03 for the Licensing of Health Establishments and Services, regulations that empower the Ministry of Public Health to inspect, authorize, supervise, and, if necessary, sanction establishments that operate without the corresponding license or fail to comply with the established requirements.
To obtain authorization, health centers must demonstrate that they meet criteria related to infrastructure, equipment, qualified personnel, care protocols, biosafety, and operating conditions. The license must be kept valid through periodic evaluation and supervision processes by health authorities.
In recent years, the Ministry of Health has strengthened surveillance and oversight mechanisms, especially following several cases of people affected by procedures performed in unauthorized centers or by individuals practicing without the corresponding exequatur.
These situations have prompted repeated calls for the public to verify both the establishment’s authorization and the professional’s credentials before receiving medical care.
