The Ecuadorian government reports that its “Brigadas Sociales por el Nuevo Ecuador” initiative has provided more than 13,000 medical services nationwide since its launch in September 2025. The program aims to deliver direct social and health services, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas, while promoting community involvement and solidarity.
On November 15, the brigades continued their activities in Bolívar province, where 93 people received medical attention at Plaza Roja in Guaranda. Around 250 community members participated in the event. Simultaneously, a specialized surgical day took place at Hospital Gineco Obstétrico Nueva Aurora Luz Elena Arismendi in Quito, featuring six scheduled surgeries—four vascular and two ophthalmological procedures—as well as cardiology consultations and echocardiograms. A service fair outside the hospital attracted about 350 attendees.
“Each patient has an expectation regarding being healthy. A necessary surgical intervention is always progress for their health and for those around them because, when healthy, they can carry out their daily activities,” said Mónica Álvarez, leader of the Surgical Center at Hospital Gineco Obstétrico Nueva Aurora Luz Elena Arismendi.
Since September 2025, a total of 13,432 services have been delivered through this program.
Rosa Guamán from Nueva Aurora neighborhood expressed her appreciation for the healthcare staff: “Sometimes we don’t have time to go out and come here. The service was very good; they did an electrocardiogram for me.”
At the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) stand in Guaranda’s Plaza Roja, Susy López, district director, noted that bringing services closer offers an important opportunity to expand coverage. Jenny Chimbolema, a beneficiary of the event who came from a distant area for errands near Plaza Roja, used the opportunity to vaccinate her daughter and get a general check-up: “I come from a faraway area and it was very helpful to find this care on a Saturday. Thanks to the National Government,” she said.
Recent efforts include:
– In Guaranda on November 15: 719 services provided—including medicine consultations, dentistry, blood pressure screenings—and specialized care in Quito with six surgeries and over fifteen additional consultations.
– On November 8–9: 870 services across Loja, Manabí, Guayas, Azuay, and Tungurahua.
– During November holidays: 140 services between November 1–4.
– October 25: Over 1,500 people attended on Isla Puná with ministry presence.
– October 18–19: 717 services across Orellana, Tungurahua, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Los Ríos and Zamora Chinchipe.
– The week before September 20: More than 5,000 people served in cities including Guayaquil and Quito.
– September 20: Hospital General Latacunga reported over 800 consultations and twenty-seven surgeries.
Minister of Public Health Jimmy Martin highlighted the constitutional basis of these initiatives: “The Government is fulfilling its duty and all state institutions are offering services that respond to citizens’ needs. These brigades respond to a constitutional mandate to ensure health reaches people.”
The program involves coordination among various agencies such as MSP; ministries responsible for government affairs; human development; education; environment; Civil Registry; IESS; BanEcuador; Ministry of Education; among others. Services offered include medical consultations, vaccinations, identity card renewals and information sessions.
MSP says it will continue focusing on rural health access by providing preventive care for families throughout Ecuador with quality healthcare.
