El Institution Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) has opened a new, 40-bed hospital in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Located in the City of Puebla in the neighborhood of “La Margarita,” the hospital will provide needed healthcare services to the community.

Due to the urgent need for the hospital, expedited construction using materials of high thermal and acoustic properties was a requirement. The hospital was built in only six weeks’ time by using an innovative, prefabricated construction system. WHO protocols and recommendations also had to be followed, including project design that allows for strict control of flow for patients, medical practitioners, and administrative staff (based on isolation and transfer techniques).

Resource-efficient design and technologies, such as reflective paint, occupancy sensors, and low-flow plumbing fixtures lower the hospital’s utility costs. The operational savings will then be used to provide greater care for patients, including medical equipment, training, and high-quality doctors and nurses. After the pandemic, the hospital structure will remain to continue to provide care for the needs of the community. This is particularly important given a history of earthquakes had damaged Puebla’s hospitals.

IMSS plans to develop more EDGE-certified hospitals in Mexico. The hospital in Puebla was developed as a PPP by IMSS and Movil Tech with construction by Kainsa, a Mexican company committed to responding to the infrastructure needs of its community.

IMSS Hospital Emergente COVID-19 has received final EDGE certification from GBCI.