Dialysis patients face service risks in Venezuela and Ecuador

Patients and families in Venezuela and Ecuador are facing critical shortages and potential suspensions of life-saving dialysis services.

In Anaco, Venezuela, renal patients at the Lervis José Hernández Hemodialysis Unit are struggling due to severe electrical instability. A broken component in the facility's power plant has left patients at risk, as power outages frequently interrupt treatments. Patients have petitioned Corpoelec to exclude the medical center from energy-saving load management plans. Additionally, the facility reports a shortage of functional equipment, with only seven of twelve machines currently operational.

In Montecristi, Ecuador, approximately 385 patients are facing a possible suspension of services at the Davita clinic by September 30. Families are protesting against the national government, alleging a debt of 121 million dollars for services provided through the Ministry of Public Health. Protesters warned that without government intervention to settle the debt, patients will be unable to afford the high cost of private sessions, which can reach 360 dollars per week.