Healthcare

Cuenca expects to sign the provisional reception act for the Hospital Municipal de Baños by September 16 after its planned September 6 opening was postponed. The building is described as ready and equipped, but the inauguration date is still unsettled.

The Azuay Health Observatory rejected the health minister’s claim that some patients resell part of their free chronic medication for money. The dispute comes as patients and advocates continue to point to supply and procurement problems.

Juan Carlos Salamea has assumed the 2026-2027 presidency of the Pan-American Trauma Society, becoming the first Ecuadorian to hold the role in the organization’s 40-year history. His agenda includes medical education, research, trauma care, and a proposed unified medical record in Ecuador.

The new Municipal Hospital of Baños has the equipment and operating requirements needed to begin care, but the Municipality has not confirmed an official inauguration date. The tentative opening window is the first week of September.

Jorge Carpio Torres, 39, received a kidney transplant at Hospital Jose Carrasco Arteaga after four years waiting. The case also puts Azuay donation rates and Ecuador's national transplant backlog in view.

The Alianza Nacional por la Salud, which brings together 38 patient organizations, says financing, medicine shortages, provider payments, and continuity of care remain unresolved problems.

The municipal hospital in Baños is targeted to open at the end of August, while Ricaurte is targeted for November. Both are planned with 31 medical specialties and 83 workers.

An Arcsa inspection in Azogues found reported stolen medicines, expired products, and items without sanitary registration. The case is a reminder to check the source of medicines before buying.

Jose Carrasco Arteaga Hospital now has four digital turn kiosks for common IESS procedures. The machines operate from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on-site guides can help users complete the process.