Pharmaceutical Production

Honduran scientist Mary Lorena Vallecillo said the government has rejected a proposed national center for medicine production, medical-device manufacturing, and genetic research after six months of outreach, leaving about 1 billion lempiras (roughly $40 million) in invested and committed funds at risk; El Salvador has expressed interest in hosting the project instead.

The Scientific Industrial Complex of Honduras has closed permanently due to budget constraints, ending a project that aimed to manufacture medicines, medical devices, and conduct advanced biotech research to reduce the country's dependence on imported health products.

COCINH-LAB Honduras announced it is ending operations after the Asfura administration declined to continue the project — a priority under the Castro government — with COCINH-LAB saying public statements by officials indicate that domestic drug production is not a current priority and that resources must be directed toward other areas.

A planned scientific and industrial complex in Quimistán, Santa Bárbara, designed to produce medicines, medical devices, and genetic diagnostics for Honduras's public health system, faces discontinuation after the current government signaled it is not a priority, despite L284 million (about $11.4 million) already spent on preliminary work.