The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) has updated the “Score MAMÁ Protocol and Obstetric Keys 2025” after eight years. This protocol is designed to help health professionals respond more effectively to obstetric emergencies at all levels of care.
Medical staff within the National Health System (SNS) will now be able to better assess risks and manage cases during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods. The goal is to prevent maternal morbidity and mortality by using the latest scientific evidence.
Jimmy Martin, Minister of Public Health, announced the update at the auditorium of the Nueva Aurora Luz Elena Arismendi Gyneco-Obstetric Pediatric Hospital in southern Quito. He said these guidelines would benefit not only pregnant women but also the entire SNS. “We are going to act in a timely and immediate manner at all levels of care for pregnant women and their babies, based on scientific evidence,” said Minister Martin. He also acknowledged collaborative efforts between MSP, academia, and scientific societies.
Wendy Gavica, Deputy Minister of Comprehensive Health Care at MSP, highlighted this achievement in healthcare. She stated that as a leading health authority, MSP must learn from experience while ensuring efficient services for the population. “We are responding to obstetric needs… This is a concrete tool for equity, opportunity, and above all, it will give life,” said Gavica.
Diego Vaca, manager of Nueva Aurora Luz Elena Arismendi Hospital (HGONA), recognized the role played by health professionals from his institution in this process. He noted that updating protocols is one part of several strategies aimed at reducing maternal, neonatal, and infant mortality in Ecuador. “We created the National Center for Fetal Medicine and the Clinical Simulation Center—the only ones in the country—where we have trained thousands of colleagues who care for our critical patients,” Vaca explained.
He also thanked specialists including primary care doctors, emergency physicians, intensivists, and others who contributed to developing these protocols with support from MSP.
With this update implemented nationwide, healthcare workers will have improved tools for clinical decision-making so they can provide early intervention or refer cases appropriately according to complexity.
The Ministry continues its efforts to promote comprehensive public policies focused on protecting mothers’ lives and newborns’ wellbeing.
