The Instituto Dermatológico Dominicano y Cirugía de Piel "Dr. Huberto Bogaert Díaz" (IDCP) began construction on a new Dermatology Unit in La Romana, an infrastructure project designed to expand access to specialized skin care for the country's eastern region.
The groundbreaking ceremony, marked by the traditional turning of the first shovel of earth and the laying of the first stone, is one of the most significant projects undertaken by IDCP as part of the celebrations marking its 60th anniversary. It also represents a new step in the institution's drive to expand and strengthen coverage nationwide.
The future unit will be built on land donated by Central Romana Corporation, Ltd., a contribution that provided a concrete basis for developing the project and that IDCP described as a significant vote of confidence from La Romana's business sector in the institute's social mission.
Reaction from Patronato leadership
Dr. Emma Guzmán de Cruz, president of the Patronato de Lucha contra la Lepra, the foundation that supports IDCP, said the new unit goes beyond the construction of medical infrastructure and represents a long-term investment in the well-being of communities.
She said the La Romana Dermatology Unit was a concrete expression of the Patronato's social mission to bring health care where it is most needed. She added that the board's commitment to projects like this goes far beyond putting up a building, and instead means transforming lives, strengthening communities and building a legacy of solidarity that endures over time. She thanked those who had already backed the initiative and invited other sectors to join the effort.
The project has also received significant backing from the Presidency of the Dominican Republic, along with contributions from Banco Popular Dominicano, Grupo CCN and Laboratorios Dr. Collado, allies that have joined IDCP's effort to carry out an initiative with major health and social impact.
A regional health investment
Dr. Víctor Pou Soares, IDCP's director general, said the new unit would bring the institute's specialized care model and treatment capacity closer to a region experiencing growing development and rising demand for services.
He said that arriving in La Romana with modern infrastructure meant bringing prevention, diagnosis and specialized treatment closer to thousands of people across the eastern region. He added that the project reflected IDCP's evolution over 60 years, describing it as an institution that has preserved its social calling while continuing to grow, modernize and expand its capacity to meet the population's health needs.
Design and facilities
The new IDCP La Romana Dermatology Unit will consist of a medical building of approximately 617 square meters, designed under criteria of functionality, universal accessibility, privacy and comfort for patients and medical staff.
The design includes:
- Dermatology consulting rooms
- Areas for minor surgery
- Laboratory and sterilization space
- A pharmacy
- Cabins for specialized treatments and cosmetic dermatology
- Administrative spaces, staff areas, general services, parking and outdoor areas
IDCP said the new infrastructure would help strengthen prevention and timely diagnosis of skin diseases, reduce complications linked to delayed care and expand access to specialized services for vulnerable populations. The unit is also designed to integrate with the wider health service network and the Dominican Social Security System.
Architects and next steps
The architectural design was developed by architect Cynthia Lantigua, with technical consulting from PYA Constructora (Pablo Yarull & Asociados, SRL), which provided the detailed blueprints, descriptive reports and the project's estimated base budget. The same firm will carry out the physical construction after being selected under IDCP's institutional procedures, which the institute said were aimed at ensuring transparency and the best balance of cost, quality and completion time.
IDCP said the start of construction marks a decisive step but also opens a new phase of fundraising to complete the building and equip the unit. The institute reiterated its invitation to businesses, foundations, organizations and other allies to join the project through contributions that would help complete an infrastructure meant to serve La Romana and the entire eastern region for decades.
IDCP expressed special thanks to Central Romana Corporation, Ltd. for donating the land, to the Presidency of the Dominican Republic for its broad support of the project, and to Banco Popular Dominicano, Grupo CCN and Laboratorios Dr. Collado.
The institute described the La Romana Dermatology Unit as one of the most important legacies of IDCP's 60th anniversary, connecting six decades of service with a new stage of institutional growth.
