IESS and Health Ministry defend themselves against the critics of private medical centers

The Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security (IESS for its Spanish acronym) and the Ministry of Health responded to the release of private hospitals, demanding arrears for medical care to affiliates.

Hugo Villacrés, President of IESS, downplayed the statement because, according to his version, he has set the dates for the several meetings to be held with suppliers. He also criticized the treatment given to members.

“In many of the hospitals they say ‘you are an affiliate, go this way; you are not an affiliate, go this way’, and we will not tolerate that ” said Villacrés in a press conference in Guayaquil.

Villacrés stressed his commitment to external providers to give a solution this week. “We would have to add each of the cases. `Clinica Guayaquil´ has entered a payment of $ 407,000 and they has been told it will be paid until May 30. The Alcívar Hospital has entered a payment for $ 781,00 , which is going to be payed until May 27 “, he said .

The Health Ministry also reacted to the statement of the National Association of Private Clinics and Hospitals of Ecuador (Achpe for its Spanish acronym). Through a newsletter they expressed it was an incomprehensible “attitude ” because they have made the payments.

It also added that the private hospitals and clinics have billed $ 19.9 million between 2013 and 2014, of which $ 14.4 million have already been paid, and $ 2.4 million  already audited are going to be disbursed.