House Finance panel hears Health leaders’ FY25‑26 budget pitches; nursing pay parity, trauma center and generators top requests

Puerto Rico’s House Finance Committee heard detailed budget presentations from Secretary of Health Víctor Ramos Otero and agency heads on April 23 as officials described program needs, capital projects and personnel shortages tied to the Department of Health’s proposed FY25‑26 spending.

Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero told the panel the department’s funding proposal is financed roughly by three streams: approximately $492.1 million (about 37 percent) from the general fund, about $181.5 million (about 14 percent) in own revenues and roughly $642.1 million (about 49 percent) in federal funds. He highlighted a number of line‑item requests and program pressures, including a $4.1 million request to equalize nurse salaries between the pediatric and university hospitals and ASEM (Administración de Servicios Médicos). “Pedimos 4.1 millones nuevos para igualar el salario de las enfermeras del hospital pediátrico y del hospital universitario a la misma clasificación de las enfermeras de ASEM,” Secretary Ramos Otero said in his presentation.

Why it matters: Committee members said the hearing is part of the formal review of the governor’s budget submission and will inform follow‑up with the Office of Management and Budget and the Financial Oversight and Management Board. Lawmakers repeatedly pressed agency leaders about how federal funding changes would affect essential services such as Medicaid and federally aided recovery projects.

Key requests and program notes - Nurse pay parity and beds: Ramos Otero highlighted the $4.1 million request to equalize nursing pay so pediatric and university hospital nurses do not migrate to ASEM. He said opening closed hospital beds depends on having that pay parity and other staffing moves. - Utilities and capital: The secretary itemized operating and utilities requests (acueducto about $4.9 million; electricity about $14.7 million) and listed capital and equipment asks…