Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital Faces Medicine Shortage: What Expats Should Know

If you or anyone you know relies on the Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso for care, here's an important update on the ongoing supply situation at Cuenca's largest public medical facility.

The Situation

According to reports from El Mercurio, the hospital has been operating with significant shortages:

• 62% of needed medications available
• 61% of medical supplies in stock
• Several pieces of equipment operating at reduced capacity or out of service

Medical staff formally reported that the shortage had "exceeded the operational tolerance threshold," reducing the hospital's capacity to handle cases.

Equipment Issues

• CT scanner operating at half capacity
• Some mechanical ventilators non-functional
• Endoscopy equipment out of service
• Laboratory limitations affecting both basic and specialized diagnostics

Budget Context

The hospital's budget has been declining:

• 2024: $49 million
• 2025: $42 million
• 2026 projected: Under $35 million

Hospital administration has stated they need an additional $8.8 million to guarantee proper operations.

Ministry Response

In early January 2026, the Ministry of Health delivered an emergency shipment of 236,446 units of essential medications. The MSP stated that 100% of contracts for essential and vital medicines have been fulfilled, along with 97.8% of general medical device contracts.

What This Means for Expats

Most expats in Cuenca use private healthcare or IESS facilities for routine care. However, Vicente Corral Moscoso matters because:

1. Emergency situations - It's the regional trauma center and handles severe emergencies that smaller facilities can't
2. Specialist referrals - Some specialized services may route through public hospitals
3. IESS overflow - During high-demand periods, IESS patients may be referred here
4. Regional significance - The hospital serves 1.4 million people across Azuay, Loja, El Oro, Zamora Chinchipe, and Chimborazo

Practical Advice

• Have a backup plan - Know which private clinics handle emergencies (Hospital Monte Sinaí, Clínica Santa Ana, Hospital Santa Inés)
• Keep prescriptions current - Don't let essential medications run low
• Consider travel insurance - Good policies can facilitate evacuation to Quito or Guayaquil for serious conditions
• IESS users - Confirm your assigned facility and understand referral procedures

This is a developing situation. We'll update as the Ministry of Health continues its supply deliveries.