Bolivia expands pediatric care for newborns and oncology patients

Ana Pinto Vaca, director of the Hospital Materno Infantil in Tarija, announced plans to broaden specialized pediatric services. The initiative aims to provide phototherapy for newborns at the hospital and to relocate pediatric oncology care to the same unit, which may also involve shifting the intensive‑care unit and reorganising other services.

Separately, Dr. Martino leads the Pediatric Palliative Care Unit at the Hospital Infantil Niño de Jesús, offering end‑of‑life support for children with incurable illnesses. He emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach that includes psychologists, social workers, spiritual aides and physiotherapists, and stresses the emotional demands on staff and families.

Both efforts reflect a broader push to improve child health services in Bolivia, targeting newborn care, cancer treatment and compassionate palliative care.