The National Government, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) and through collaboration with strategic partners, has invested more than $400,000 to modernize the Guido Alfonso Díaz Basic Hospital in Catacocha. This project aims to improve healthcare services for approximately 68,734 residents from the cantons of Paltas, Catamayo, Chaguarpamba, and Olmedo.
The modernization effort included upgrades to infrastructure, new biomedical equipment, improved climate control systems, and digital transformation initiatives. These changes are expected to enhance the quality and safety of services provided at the hospital.
A formal ceremony was held at the hospital’s auditorium with provincial and local authorities, community representatives, and media present. Lorena Gutiérrez, delegate of Zonal Coordinator 7 – Health, led the official handover. She stated: “This investment strengthens the Integrated Public Health Network and reduces gaps in access to specialized services in the territory.”
During the last quarter of fiscal year 2025 and completed by January 2026, construction projects totaling $134,892.18 were carried out. The works included establishing the first mammography room in a basic hospital within Loja province; setting up an ultrasound room with two operational machines; expanding and modernizing the clinical laboratory; creating a blood bank room; implementing a hospital classroom for pediatric patients’ continued education; and upgrading climate control systems in critical areas such as operating rooms, delivery rooms, laboratories, pharmacies, vaccine banks, and mammography facilities.
Additional investments focused on biomedical equipment. A state-of-the-art mammography machine was acquired for $70,000. A laparoscopic tower was purchased for $95,793.25 with support from WHO/PAHO and MSP. Further laparoscopic instruments were added for $7,100. Technical redistribution enabled installation of a surgical lamp via Zonal Coordination 7 – Health. A portable X-ray unit was transferred through cooperation with General Hospital Isidro Ayora.
Joint efforts between MSP, GAD Paltas municipality government and Charity Anywhere Foundation (USA) provided a full mechanical ventilation system along with technical aids, dental supplies, medications and medical devices worth $51,877.
Digital transformation formed part of this modernization process as well. Investments totaling $22,441 enabled renewal of 35 computers and two servers to implement SAIS-MSP’s digital ecosystem at Guido Alfonso Díaz Hospital—making it Loja province’s first basic hospital to fully adopt integrated digital management practices.
These improvements help reduce wait times for specialized care while lessening pressure on higher-complexity hospitals across Loja province by supporting patient referrals from surrounding areas including Zapotillo, Macará,Puyango Alamor,Celica,and Pindal as well as travelers along El Oro-Loja highway corridor.
“The National Government reaffirms its commitment together with the Ministry of Public Health and its strategic partners to continue strengthening health infrastructure innovation technology,and service quality for citizens’ benefit,” officials said.
