QUITO — A Tragic Loss of Newborn Lives in Ecuador
Authorities in Ecuador have confirmed the tragic deaths of 12 newborns at a public hospital in Guayaquil. This heartbreaking incident, which reportedly occurred over two weeks ago, highlights significant issues within the country’s healthcare system.
The deaths took place at the Hospital Universitario, located 265 kilometers southwest of the capital, Quito. A report by a local digital news outlet raised concerns about possible bacterial infections, pointing to the reuse of medical equipment as a potential cause.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Hospital Universitario acknowledged the fatalities, attributing them to various factors linked to the complicated conditions related to premature births. However, they denied allegations regarding the reuse of medical supplies. They did confirm that two of the deaths were associated with an infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacteria known for causing respiratory infections.
This incident comes at a time when healthcare professionals are calling for a state of emergency due to ongoing shortages of medicines and medical supplies in public hospitals. Former Deputy Minister of Health, Marcelo Aguilar, indicated that the situation warrants investigation, tying it to the broader crisis in healthcare funding. He noted that hospital-acquired infections pose a high risk to vulnerable newborns.
Aguilar also reminded the public that similar outbreaks have been reported in hospitals across various provinces, including Manabí, Guayas, and Pichincha.
In response to the crisis, Health Minister Jimmy Martin announced that a team of specialists has been dispatched to investigate the matter further. The hospital took immediate precautions by relocating remaining infants for safety, disinfecting affected areas, and conducting blood tests for suspected cases.
Additionally, a commission from the Assembly has summoned health authorities and the Attorney General’s office to address concerns regarding alleged shortages of crucial medical supplies, particularly nasal cannulas, which are essential for providing oxygen to infants with breathing difficulties. The necessity for accountability in the healthcare sector has never been more apparent, as families and healthcare workers alike continue to suffer the consequences of systemic issues.
