The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) in Ecuador has expanded the operational capacity of the hemodialysis unit at Baca Ortiz Pediatric Hospital in Quito. This move is part of a broader effort led by Vice President María José Pinto to improve healthcare services for children and adolescents across the country.
The hospital recently added two new hemodialysis machines, bringing its total to seven. With this increase, the facility can now provide over 340 dialysis sessions each month, serving 24 pediatric patients and averaging 12 procedures daily.
Junior Gahona, head of the nephrology unit, said: “This process is vital for children and adolescents with kidney disease, as having state-of-the-art technology and modules specifically designed for pediatrics allows us to improve therapy quality and patient safety. This results in better clinical and metabolic conditions.”
In addition to expanding its current services, the hospital’s hemodialysis unit is moving forward with a project that will enable 19 dialysis stations. The initiative includes purchasing medical devices for both hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration, supported by a certified budget of USD 313,198. This investment will allow for the creation of 12 new treatment posts—six dedicated to hemodialysis and six to hemodiafiltration.
These measures are intended to strengthen specialized care capacity and ensure continuous access to quality health services for young patients throughout Ecuador.
