More than 18,000 residents in southern Quito are expected to benefit from the reopening of the renovated Santa Bárbara Type A Health Center, located in the La Mena parish. The center, which had not been updated for 45 years, was refurbished as part of an initiative by President Daniel Noboa’s government aimed at strengthening primary health care and improving access to medical services.
The official handover took place on Thursday with Vice President María José Pinto and Stalin Andino, Vice Minister of Comprehensive Health Care, present at the event. The Ministry of Public Health emphasized that investments like these are key for disease prevention within communities.
“The health of a country is not measured by the patients treated in hospitals; it is measured here in primary health care, where prevention starts before illness becomes an emergency and where the State is close to its people,” said María José Pinto. She added: “The National Government has committed to more accessible, humane, and preventive healthcare. Health is built not only by the State but also by communities with dedicated teams and informed, participatory citizens.”
The renovation project required an investment exceeding USD 394,000 for construction and oversight. Authorities explained that upgrading the Santa Bárbara center addresses a specific need among local residents and aims to enhance primary care capacity while reducing wait times. Services such as vaccinations, prenatal checkups, and community outreach have been prioritized.
Matilde Porras, president of the Local Health Committee, commented: “With the opening of this health center we see evidence of the National Government’s commitment to our population’s right to health with intercultural focus and respect. We will have more protection for our children and elderly through care and prevention.” She also thanked national and local authorities for their efforts.
The renovated facility includes spaces such as a waiting room, vaccination area, pharmacy, multipurpose consulting rooms including dental offices, procedure areas, sample collection points, and other sections meeting current technical and safety standards. These improvements aim to ensure safe conditions for both patients and staff.
Currently stocked at 88% for medicines and 77% for medical devices, Santa Bárbara offers general medicine services along with family medicine, dentistry, nursing care, pharmacy access, psychology consultations—supported by a team of healthcare professionals focused on comprehensive community care.
Officials believe that its location will help bring essential preventive services closer to families in southern Quito while supporting efforts toward a more efficient and equitable healthcare system.
