Peasants march in order to maintain their social security

Luis Pilalot

The morning of Wednesday, August 28, hundreds of peasants affiliated to the Rural Social Security marched through the streets of Guayaquil to request that the system remains independent of the Ministry of Public Health and reject the introduction of certain reforms.

The president of the Union of Peasant Organizations of Ecuador, Luis Pilalot, said the march they did is because they knew of a government proposal for Security dispensaries registered to the Ministry and that it would take away the benefits of its members, such as the retirement pension, widowhood insurance, funeral and other assistance.

“There is a pronouncement of the Senplades and the Ministry of Health, who have analyzed the issue of dispensaries and health, they have concluded that certain Farmers Insurance dispensaries must be closed, saying that it will improve care and coverage, others have to merge, and others must be attached to the Ministry,” said Pilalot.

He added that if dispensaries are passed to the Ministry of Health, members will lose some rights.

The march on Wednesday came to the Social Security Fund and near the vicinity of the Guayas Governor offices.