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The predominant complaint in rural areas: health care is ‘mediocre’
Posted On 05 Jun 2017
Ecuadornews:
His daughter swooning in his arms he reached the health sub-center of La Victoria parish, Salitre Canton, on May 29. She was dehydrated and needed an IV. Javier, the father of the teenager, had to buy a catheter at a nearby pharmacy.
Outside the health unit, he was waiting for news of the adolescent. “There are no supplies, no medicines, basic things that should not be missing in a health unit,” said the father in dismay. Next to him, two pregnant women who were waiting for attention ensured that they did not receive the comprehensive care that, they said, the authorities of the Ministry of Health speak.
Ingrid and Cinthya agreed that the care they receive is ‘mediocre.’ We have to pay for blood tests and ultrasound control, said Martha, with four months of pregnancy and who has not yet undergone the tests (blood, urine, and feces). “I have quoted costs in several labs and these examinations cost more than $ 100. I do not have to pay for that, so I can not do that,” she concluded.
Their situation would be a sign that the right of gratuitousness in health that is established in the Constitution of the Republic in Article 366 is not respected.
This Journal asked the IESS (Social Security Office) for further information, and an interview, but there was no response from the public agency (I).
