University of Puerto Rico to Break Ground on New $283 Million Medical School
San Juan,Puerto Rico - August 20,2025 – Governor Jenniffer González Colón today announced a landmark investment in Puerto rico’s healthcare future: the construction of a new medical school at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR). The project, funded by an unprecedented $283 million allocation from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), signifies a strategic commitment to developing a robust pipeline of skilled health professionals and advancing scientific research on the island.
A Historic investment in Medical Education
The announcement coincided with the 75th anniversary festivity of the UPR School of Medicine, attended by key figures including Rector of the medical Sciences Campus Dr. Myrna L. quiñones Feliciano, Secretary of Health Dr. Víctor Ramos, and Executive director of the Administration of Medical Services (ASEM) dr. Regino Colón Alsina. Governor González Colón emphasized that the new school represents far more than just bricks and mortar. “This project is a direct investment in our talent, in the training of health professionals and in scientific research,” she stated. “It is indeed a commitment to resilience, education, and the well-being of all puerto Rico.”
The UPR School of medicine has a distinguished history of medical innovation. It pioneered the frist blood transfusion to a baby in utero, the first open-heart surgeries in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, and the eradication of mother-to-fetus HIV transmission.
Did You Know?
The school has also established groundbreaking programs in neonatal care, organ transplantation, and pediatric oncology.
Project Details and Timeline
The new medical school will be located on the grounds of the former Vocational Rehabilitation Administration at the Medical Center of Puerto Rico. ASEM has approved the site, allowing UPR to commence the design phase. The planned building will adhere to modern, resilient architectural and engineering standards.Construction is slated to begin in 2027, positioning the UPR School of Medicine among the leading institutions in the United States and internationally.
Along with the new construction, significant repairs will be undertaken at the Guillermo Arbona Irizarry building, a 12-story structure housing programs in medicine, public health, dentistry, and pharmacy. The modernization will also encompass approximately 200 laboratories dedicated to scientific research, strengthening vital areas of public health.
| Project Component | Funding | Details |
|---|---|---|
| New Medical School Construction | $283 Million (FEMA) | Modern, resilient design; construction begins 2027 |
| Guillermo Arbona Irizarry building Repairs | Included in overall allocation | Modernization of 12-story building and 200 research labs |
| Hurricane Wind Mitigation | $34.7 Million (FEMA) | Reinforcement of ceilings, openings, and structural charges |
| Architecture & Engineering Services | $19.1 Million (FEMA) | Studies and designs for mitigation proposal |
Commitment to Excellence and Accessibility
Governor González Colón highlighted the school’s legacy of producing leaders in healthcare, government, and academia, including advisors to the U.S. President. The school’s commitment to accessibility ensures that its doors remain open to all qualified students, irrespective of background.
pro Tip:
Prospective students should check the UPR School of Medicine website for updated admission requirements and application deadlines.
Dr. zayira Jordán Conde, President of the university of Puerto Rico, emphasized the transformative nature of this investment. “This ancient assignment represents much more than an investment in infrastructure: it is a firm commitment to the future of medical education on the island and for the strengthening of our health system,” she said.
Dr. Víctor Ramos otero,Secretary of Health,a proud alumnus of the UPR Medical Sciences Campus,underscored the importance of investing in medical education. “This new headquarters…will open doors to new research and a modern teaching that will directly impact our health ecosystem.”
Long-Term Lease and Future Outlook
The UPR and ASEM will formalize the project through a long-term lease agreement,already approved by ASEM and pending review by the Fiscal Supervision Board. This agreement will provide a solid administrative and financial foundation for the new school. The project is complemented by 19 other construction projects planned for the Medical Center,representing a significant federal investment in Puerto Rico’s healthcare infrastructure.
Do you believe this investment will substantially improve healthcare access in Puerto Rico? What other steps are needed to strengthen the island’s medical infrastructure?
The Growing Demand for Healthcare Professionals
The demand for healthcare professionals is projected to grow significantly in the coming decades, driven by an aging population and advancements in medical technology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations (Bureau of Labor Statistics). This investment in the UPR School of Medicine is a proactive step towards meeting this growing demand and ensuring a skilled workforce for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
- what is the primary purpose of the new medical school? To expand medical education capacity and enhance the training of healthcare professionals in Puerto Rico.
- How much funding is FEMA providing for the project? FEMA is providing $283 million for the construction of the new school.
- When is construction expected to begin? Construction is slated to begin in 2027.
- What other improvements are planned for the Medical Center? along with the new school, repairs will be made to the Guillermo Arbona Irizarry building, and 19 other construction projects are planned.
- Who will benefit from this investment? The entire population of Puerto Rico will benefit from a stronger healthcare system and a more skilled medical workforce.
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