# Ecuadorian renal healthcare crisis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ecuadorian-renal-healthcare-crisis
> Updated: 2026-09-05T20:46:56.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Renal patients and their families in Ecuador have conducted symbolic protests across multiple cities, including Portoviejo, Quito, Guayaquil, and Babahoyo, to demand continuous access to dialysis treatments.

The demonstrations highlight a systemic healthcare crisis driven by a significant financial deficit. The state’s debt to clinics and dialysis centers is estimated at approximately USD 400 million, which threatens the operational capacity of service providers. Protesters used chairs at demonstration sites to symbolize current patients, future patients, and those who have died due to healthcare failures. Approximately 20,800 people in Ecuador require renal replacement therapy, with nine out of ten patients depending on hemodialysis.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Ecuadorian renal patients protest over dialysis access and state debt

Renal patients and advocates in Ecuador held protests in multiple cities to demand uninterrupted dialysis treatments, citing a USD 400 million state debt to clinics that threatens service continuity.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuadorian-renal-patients-protest-over-dialysis-access-and-state-debt

### 2026-08-31: Renal patients in Barquisimeto protest hemodialysis machine shortages

Renal patients in Lara, Venezuela, are protesting the shortage of hemodialysis machines in Barquisimeto, demanding new equipment and improved medical infrastructure to replace failing units.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/renal-patients-in-barquisimeto-protest-hemodialysis-machine-shortages

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Cite as: Ecuadorian renal healthcare crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ecuadorian-renal-healthcare-crisis