Since the first cases of Covid-19 were presented in the city of Guayaquil, the hospitals of Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil have been working tirelessly, treating not only their regular patients, but also those with symptoms of the disease. Ernesto Noboa, director of the entity, confirmed “from March 13 to May 18, Luis Vernaza hospital treated 2,574 patients with coronavirus symptoms, while, in that same period, 998 were born at the Alfredo Paulson hospital kids".
The heroes behind these figures are the doctors, nurses, nursing assistants and health assistants made up of more than 3,000 employees who work 24/7 in the different hospitals of JBG. The hospitals of JBG operate with 847 beds for general care, of which 163 are ICUs (Intensive Care Units).
The lack of sales of the National Lottery, as well as the decrease in the collection of rents in the real estate sector resulting from the serious health crisis caused by Covid- 19, is posing a serious operational challenge for this century-old institution. To this is also added the millionaire debt that the MSP and the IESS have had with JBG for several years, even though in recent months some payments have been received.
Despite the above, its directors have decided to continue providing valuable services to the population in the modules of health, education, child protection, care for the elderly, funeral services, among others.
Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil was founded in 1888, it is the largest NGO in Ecuador and one of the oldest in Latin America. Throughout its history, it has been modified by its benefactor spirit and transparency in its management, which has been justified by the institutional respect and trust of Ecuadorians.
“Neither this pandemic nor the economic difficulties that we are facing, we diminish our commitment to help the people of Guayaquil and Ecuador; we have been doing it with devotion for over 130 years. We will not rest today or ever "emphasized Ernesto Noboa.
