The Vice President of Ecuador, María José Pinto, announced on March 16 that the Ministry of Public Health is strengthening medical care in the canton of Santa Elena by deploying 104 Comprehensive Health Care Teams. These teams aim to provide preventive and medical services in communities that are difficult to access, following the Comprehensive Health Care Model.
The initiative is designed to address healthcare needs in remote regions where access has been limited. By increasing the presence of multidisciplinary teams, authorities hope to ensure that residents receive essential health services regardless of their location.
According to Gabriela Contreras, district analyst for Preventive Care and Morbidity, each primary care unit is strategically staffed. “We have a doctor, a nurse, and a Primary Health Care Technician (TAPS), as well as a dentist to provide ongoing follow-up for the assigned population,” Contreras said.
These health teams operate from 23 primary care units throughout the canton and extend their work beyond health centers through outreach brigades. Their activities include home visits for pregnant women, older adults, people with disabilities, and patients with chronic illnesses who cannot travel; emergency brigades responding to natural events such as floods or fires; epidemiological surveillance for diseases like dengue, zika, chikungunya, and influenza; and comprehensive child evaluations in coordination with programs such as Growing with Our Children (CNH), Child Development Centers (CDI), Family Strengthening Centers (CFF), and the Provincial Government.
In addition to medical assistance, the Ministry focuses on creating Health Clubs for groups such as pregnant women, adolescents, and older adults. These clubs offer workshops on healthy eating habits, establish medicinal gardens, and promote intercultural health practices.
With this territorial deployment, the Ministry of Public Health said it reaffirms its commitment to overcoming geographic barriers so that access to healthcare becomes an effective right throughout Santa Elena.
