Economic Evaluation of Hospital María, Especialidades Pediátricas, Tegucigalpa, Honduras

The Hospital María, Pediatric Specialties (HMEP), located in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, is a key public institution for pediatric care, research, and medical training. This study evaluates its performance in 2023 through two approaches: (i) an operational analysis using indicators such as length of stay, bed occupancy, and bed turnover; and (ii) a cost-effectiveness analysis based on the cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted compared to the national willingness-to-pay threshold. The hospital reported a 64.6% bed occupancy rate and a 36.5% bed turnover rate but faces critical limitations in reducing waiting lists, particularly for cardiac surgery. The economic analysis included 168 patients and revealed that all analyzed services offered excellent value for money. The cost per DALY averted ranged from US$112 (neurology) to US$762 (plastic surgery), with cost-effectiveness ratios below 1.0 across all specialties. Although the results are solid, monitoring is recommended for higher-cost services. In conclusion, HMEP provides efficient care but requires additional human and financial resources to improve access to pediatric surgeries and reduce waiting times.