Chile cuts oncology waiting list by 97% and achieves complex esophageal cancer surgery

The Chilean Ministry of Health reported that three months after launching an Oncology Health Alert, the Antofagasta Region resolved 1,232 of the 1,273 pending cancer cases, reaching a 97 % reduction in the waiting list. Minister May Chomali highlighted the use of phone calls, local radio and community outreach to contact patients, and noted that 1,187 services were completed in the public health network. The alert remains in force until 30 September.

In a separate development, Clínica Andes Salud in Puerto Montt successfully performed a high‑complexity esophageal cancer surgery. Dr. Hernán de la Fuente removed a tumor from a patient from Quintero, Valparaíso, and reconstructed the digestive tract using the patient’s own stomach. The procedure eliminated the need for further oncologic treatment and demonstrates the region’s growing capacity for advanced cancer care, complementing recent initiatives such as a PET‑CT scanner, a chemotherapy unit and the construction of the region’s first radiotherapy centre.