Mobile Surgical Unit takes surgery to remote areas of Ecuador

theguardian.com reported access to surgery is a major problem in Ecuador, home to the Andes, the Amazon River and rainforest. Many of those in poorer and remote areas cannot travel to seek surgical care in larger cities for many reasons, including the cost of travel and the impact of leaving their jobs and families at home. Dr Edgar Rodas, Ecuador’s general surgeon and previous minister of health, had a vision to deliver surgery through a truck converted into a mobile operating theatre.

After a 15-year-quest to obtain the necessary resources, equipment and team, Cinterandes was established in 1994, and has now been successfully delivering surgery in remote areas for over 20 years, completing over 7,500 operations. It is a non-governmental organisation, functioning on donations, with a team of seven core members delivering free care to the patients. Read Article