Ecuador implements telemedicine and digital health systems

The Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS) has launched a teletriage and telemedicine system to reduce congestion in specialty hospitals. The process begins with an in-person evaluation in emergency departments to determine if a patient's condition is of low complexity. Patients aged 20 to 50 with non-urgent issues may be referred to virtual consultations, where doctors can issue digital prescriptions that can be collected at hospital pharmacies.

The service is currently operational in five hospitals: Hospital de Especialidades José Carrasco Arteaga in Cuenca, Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín and Hospital Quito Sur in Quito, and Hospital Teodoro Maldonado Carbo and Hospital Los Ceibos in Guayaquil.

In a related move to modernize healthcare, President Daniel Noboa announced the upcoming implementation of Dedalus, an Italian digital health software, within the Ministry of Public Health (MSP). The platform aims to automate medical appointment scheduling and electronic health records, reducing reliance on call centers. However, the decision has faced political criticism regarding the procurement process and data privacy concerns.