Historical Context
In 2005, the Santander University Hospital (HUS) was established by departmental ordinance as a public institution under departmental jurisdiction and the main hub of the network providing medium- and high-complexity health services in northeastern Colombia.
Since its creation 21 years ago, the HUS has remained steadfast in its goal of achieving recognition as a university hospital. However, this path has been marked by numerous challenges and circumstances that have hindered the achievement of this important objective. Over the past decade, the institution has worked tirelessly and with unwavering commitment to make this dream a reality.
One of the most significant milestones was reached in 2024, when the hospital obtained quality certification for its health services. It also incorporated into its strategic objectives the strengthening of teaching and research—fundamental pillars for its institutional development—in which the Industrial University of Santander has played a decisive and highly impactful role.
Visit by Academic Peers
On May 14 and 15, the Santander University Hospital hosted a visit from academic peers appointed by the Ministry of National Education, who verified the institution’s compliance with the quality standards required for recognition as a university hospital.
The evaluation committee was composed of Dr. Edith Mireya Mora Lozano, a distinguished Colombian academic, researcher, and master’s degree holder specializing in health and university teaching. Her professional career has focused on ethics and bioethics in scientific research, and she has extensive experience at renowned medical and educational institutions in the country.
Also participating was Dr. José Federico Saaibi Solano, a surgeon and renowned specialist in interventional cardiology and hemodynamics in Colombia. He currently serves as head of cardiology and hemodynamics at the Center of Excellence for Acute Myocardial Infarction at the International Hospital of Colombia and is a member of the board of directors of the FCV University Foundation.
The visit marked a significant milestone for the institution, highlighting the HUS’s commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery, academic training, and the strengthening of research as fundamental pillars of its institutional mission.
“The UIS has been an active participant because we are committed to seeing this process through. I believe this visit will be a reward for the efforts both institutions have made to achieve this recognition as a university hospital,” said Professor Jürg Niederbacher Velásquez, dean of the School of Health.
Support from UIS
In this important process, the Faculty of Health at the Industrial University of Santander, as the primary academic and training setting within the University Hospital of Santander, has played a fundamental role. Its ongoing support, the strengthening of training, research, and outreach processes, as well as the shared commitment to academic and clinical excellence, have been decisive in establishing the conditions that today allow the HUS to move toward recognition as a university hospital.
Similarly, the UIS has resolutely supported this process by allocating resources, providing highly qualified personnel, and facilitating institutional coordination led by the institution’s faculty members across the five strategic sub-departments. This comprehensive support has strengthened academic, patient care, administrative, and research processes, consolidating an inter-institutional relationship aimed at meeting the standards required for the HUS’s recognition as a university hospital.
“As students, this recognition represents a historic milestone in our academic and professional development. Having a strengthened university hospital provides us with greater opportunities for learning, research, and growth in real-world healthcare settings. It is a source of pride to see how the coordinated efforts between the hospital and the university are now bearing fruit that will benefit not only future generations of professionals but also the entire community,” said Danna Pardo Medina, a student of Microbiology and Bioanalysis.
Timeline
In September 2022, HUS obtained certification from the Global Network of Green and Healthy Hospitals. This certification makes ESE HUS one of 1,600 members representing more than 60,000 hospitals and health centers in 78 countries, dedicated to reducing the sector’s environmental footprint and promoting public health.
Since 2023, HUS has held the “non-discrimination seal” certification, granted by ICONTEC on behalf of the Ministry of the Interior.
In February 2024, the ESE Hospital Universitario de Santander obtained health accreditation granted by the Colombian Institute of Technical Standards and Certification (ICONTEC). This achievement positions HUS as one of 65 healthcare providers in the country and the first public hospital in northeastern Colombia to receive this recognition.
In October 2024, HUS incorporated the Deputy Directorate of Teaching and Research Management into its organizational structure, led by nurse Marisela Márquez, a professor affiliated with the School of Nursing.
In March 2025, for the first time, ESE HUS was included in the World’s Best Hospitals 2025 ranking, published by Newsweek, placing it among the top 60 hospitals in Colombia. This list highlights the most outstanding hospitals in 30 countries, evaluating their quality, technology, and patient care.
In October 2025, the Blood Bank of the Santander Blood Center (ESE HUS) received Category A certification from INVIMA, the highest possible classification. This certification recognizes compliance with the highest standards of quality, safety, and best practices in the collection and handling of blood components at the department’s only public blood bank.
In 2025, the HUS achieved certification as a “Risk-Free Hospital” (fiscal and financial), pursuant to Resolution 1122 of 2025.
In 2026, ESE HUS was recognized among the “Global Top 250 Hospitals 2026 – ranking the most reputable academic medical centers” according to the World’s Top AMCs ranking. This international recognition highlights leading university hospitals for their excellence in patient care and medical research.
In April 2026, ESE HUS received a visit from the INVIMA institute as part of the evaluation process for certification in Good Clinical Practices (GCP) for Clinical Trial Centers. Obtaining this certification is a key step that reflects the commitment of the departmental government and the institution to excellence, research, and the strengthening of high-quality healthcare.
On April 30, 2026, the HUS received its first follow-up visit from ICONTEC, exceeding the score from the previous evaluation (2024).
As of May 2026, the HUS has various services available within its existing capacity: 349 inpatient beds, 8 operating rooms, 15 chemotherapy chairs, 25 outpatient clinics, 137 observation beds, 18 procedure rooms, 3 fully equipped ambulances, 4 rehabilitation unit clinics, 1 delivery room, 2 radiation therapy rooms, and 7 emergency rooms.
“Although the institution has borne the name University Hospital since 2005, today we can affirm that we meet the 44 criteria required to officially obtain recognition as a university hospital. We will become the 25th hospital in the country, among both public and private institutions, to achieve this distinction, which represents a significant strengthening of our teaching and research processes and is a source of pride for our entire institution,” said Ricardo Hoyos, manager of HUS.
