The Ministry of Public Health presented credentials to six new members of the Fifth Sectoral Citizen Council for Health on March 10. The ceremony took place at the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil and marked a step toward greater social participation in health policy.
This event is significant because it strengthens the connection between state policies and the real needs of the population. Gabriela Merino, Zonal Coordinator 8, said that integrating civil society not only improves institutional coordination but also makes services more humane. “Citizen commitment allows us to promote actions that originate from within communities and directly benefit them,” Merino said.
The council consists of 25 civil society organizations from nine regions across the country. It serves as a space for dialogue and consultation between the state and communities, monitors and evaluates public policy implementation, and provides technical proposals for new health strategies.
“Our emphasis is on making visible the real needs of people. We represent the community directly and now have a formal channel for national dialogue,” Guillermo Leones said after receiving his accreditation.
During the ceremony, the ministry confirmed its commitment to provide technical support and ensure resources so that the council can operate independently and effectively. Rogelio Echeverría, National Director of Health Promotion, called on system authorities to maintain an open-door policy. “Strengthening the system is built from the ground up. We must listen, understand, and work together with our community monitors and local committees,” Echeverría said.
With this formalization, the Ministry aims to move beyond hospital management toward open and transparent governance in health. The goal is for citizens to become strategic actors in building an inclusive health system.
