Day 19

Yesterday, May 4th, we visited Chone’s Temporary Hospital Napoleón Dávila Córdova, where we have treated 1,085 patients from April 22nd to May 1st.

As we drove by the wrecked town, we were faced once again with the shocking images of the destroyed hospital, which is only one of the many collapsed edifications in Manabí, the province that was affected the most by the earthquake due to its proximity to the epicenter.

SAVING ECUADOR was in Chone for the formal handover of the newly adapted containers that serve as medical facilities. The Hospital’s director, representatives of the Health Ministry and some of our collaborators for this cause were also there: Juan Andrade (TNO), Nelson Chavez (Maxilift), Byron Barrionuevo (Triboilgas), Thomas Weiner (Indusur), José Jarrin (Loraver), Jaime Pineda (KW of Colombia).

We toured the four containers and found that the ones suited for Neonatology, Ultrasound and Laboratory are all set up; while they are still working on assembling the one that will be used for Cardiology and Pharmacy.

Until today, published figures say that the affected population is well over 337,000, of which at least 20,000 are pregnant women. These containers will be very important to the health and welfare of this important group of mothers and newborns; thus the importance of the fifth container that is expected to arrive from Quito in the days to come.

But this is not over, the images seen in some tents remain to be schocking. We need to continue contributing in order to improve conditions of Chone’s and other Temporary Hospitals. There is still so much to do. Manabí and their people need us!