Natural gas in hospitals: an advance towards efficient and sustainable health in Peru.

The Minister of Energy and Mines (Minem), Rómulo Mucho, recently announced an ambitious plan to supply ten hospitals in various regions of the country with natural gas. The commissioning of the natural gas system at the Edgardo Rebagliati Martins Hospital, the largest in Peru, marked a significant milestone in this initiative, which aims to diversify the energy matrix and improve healthcare in the country. During the event, Mucho highlighted the importance of this measure not only as an advancement in health infrastructure but also as an effort to strengthen social support for the population. "We are coordinating efforts with the Ministry of Health and EsSalud to bring this energy resource to more areas of the country, thus expanding the threshold of care and improving the quality of services offered," emphasized the minister. The use of natural gas in hospitals represents considerable economic savings. This will not only benefit health institutions but also contribute to the transition towards less polluting energies. "In line with government guidelines, we are intervening in various hospitals in Peru to provide this service and thus offer more efficient and sustainable care," added Mucho. In the first phase, the plan includes the incorporation of natural gas in hospitals such as Daniel Alcides Carrión in Callao, Sergio E. Bernales in Comas, San Juan de Lurigancho, and the Regional Docente in Trujillo. This initial phase lays the groundwork for future expansion that could include more healthcare centers in different regions of the country. In addition to healthcare, the minister emphasized that the mass adoption of natural gas aims to expand its use beyond the domestic sphere. This energy resource is also expected to be incorporated into transportation, small businesses, and industries, contributing to a more sustainable development of the Peruvian economy. The strategy for diversifying the energy matrix is also aligned with the country's economic reactivation plans. Mucho mentioned that his management is committed to promoting projects that facilitate the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons to increase national crude oil production and revitalize communities affected by the economic crisis. "We have reactivated lots X, 192, and 8, which will allow us not only to increase energy production but also to generate jobs and opportunities in the regions where these activities are implemented," highlighted the minister, adding the importance of addressing the energy transition responsibly and sustainably. The executive president of EsSalud, María Aguilar, also expressed her support for this initiative, stating that the implementation of natural gas in hospitals represents a step forward in the pursuit of a more efficient and environmentally friendly healthcare system. "This agreement is a milestone that demonstrates that it is possible to work in harmony with environmental care and the well-being of the population," affirmed Aguilar. Expectations surrounding this project are high, as it could set a precedent for future investments in energy and public health. With energy diversification and the improvement of healthcare infrastructure working hand in hand, the government aims not only to optimize resources but also to ensure a cleaner and healthier future for all Peruvians. With these initiatives, the country is positioning itself on a path towards more sustainable development, where public health and clean energy can coexist and contribute to the overall well-being of the population. The management of Minem, in coordination with other sectors, promises to transform healthcare in Peru, making sustainability not just a goal but a tangible reality in the daily lives of citizens.