Cuenca’s IESS hospital receives high marks in international accreditation review

Cuenca’s José Carrasco Arteaga Hospital, part of Ecuador’s Social Security Institute (IESS) health care system, has received a “Gold” rating by the International Hospital Accreditation Board of Canada. It is the first hospital in Cuenca to earn the distinction.

José Carrasco Arteaga Hospital

The Canadian board sends teams of health care auditors to hospitals and health care facilities around the world, providing the only recognized international accreditation service.

The board visited Cuenca in November, evaluating standard protocols, quality of equipment, and hospital standards. The entire hospital, including administrative services, were involved in the audit.

The Carrasco Arteaga Hospital has more than 1,900 staff members, covering more than 4,000 daily visits in external consultation, laboratory, emergency and emergency. It provides services in 35 medical specialties, the most of any facility in southern Ecuador, and has 276 beds.

According to the accreditation visit, the hospital has the most modern equipment in the world, including a one-of-a-kind laser system that dissolves inoperable brain tumors.