Bolivia tackles hospital equipment gaps and oxygen shortages

An inspection by the Servicio Departamental de Salud in Oruro uncovered significant deficiencies in medical equipment and staffing across several hospitals, including Hospital General Oruro‑Corea, Barrios Mineros, Walter Khon and the emergency area of Hospital General San Juan de Dios. Director Marcelo Quilo said, “Hemos encontrado muchísimas dificultades… tenemos profesionales idóneos, pero sí hay algunas cosas que nos hacen falta,” and pledged ongoing monitoring and coordination with local authorities to improve resources.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Sports has supplied more than 70 oxygen cylinders to hospitals in La Paz, delivering 120 m³ each to the Gastroenterological Institute and the National Institute of Thorax, 90 m³ to the Hospital of Clinics, and additional volumes to other facilities. A ministry spokesperson noted, “Esta distribución responde al plan de contingencia y monitoreo diario… para asegurar el suministro ininterrumpido de oxígeno crítico,” aiming to prevent shortages and maintain critical care services.