The President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa Azin, has ordered a temporary and exceptional intervention at the Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Specialty Hospital in Guayaquil. This decision was made through Executive Decree No. 318 and aims to restore institutional control and ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare staff at the facility.
According to the decree, the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) will take direct administrative control of the hospital for the duration of the intervention. The ministry is tasked with maintaining continuous, safe, and quality public health services during this period.
Vice President María José Pinto communicated instructions regarding the intervention process to officials at the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS) and announced new temporary appointments. She stated: “Oficialmente dispuso enfáticamente encargar la Gerencia General del hospital al actual Director General del IESS, Marco Javier Maldonado Carrasco y designó que, en su calidad de Gerente General, asuma la función de Interventor. Maldonado ejercerá la máxima autoridad administrativa y operativa del hospital durante el período de intervención; y, podrá conformar el equipo técnico, administrativo, financiero y jurídico que resulte necesario para cumplir esta disposición.”
As part of these measures, an inventory of medicines, medical devices, supplies, storage areas, and pharmacy stocks must be completed within thirty days. There will also be a comprehensive review of procurement processes including purchases, orders, contracts, agreements, and ongoing or planned expenditures—especially those related to medications and essential services such as maintenance and security.
During this intervention period, mandatory protocols will be implemented to prevent any disruption or interruption in healthcare services. Priority will be given to emergency care and specialized medical attention.
The appointed interventor will also coordinate with other government ministries—including Interior, Government Affairs, and National Defense—to develop a comprehensive security plan for the hospital. This plan is intended to protect patients as well as critical staff members.
The designated interventor is required to submit a detailed work plan to MSP outlining actions for this process. Support from MSP officials has been pledged throughout this period.
With this intervention effort, national authorities aim not only to reestablish institutional order but also to maintain uninterrupted public health services while addressing issues related to organized crime within hospital management structures. The government emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding the lives and well-being of healthcare workers and patients alike.
