The U.S. Government has invested $1.6 million in the renovation of Shushufindi Hospital, located in Sucumbíos, Ecuador. This investment enabled significant upgrades to the hospital's electrical and air conditioning systems.
The completion of these renovations was celebrated on October 3, 2023, in Quito. The project was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Government and Ecuadorian authorities, with the aim of enhancing healthcare services in the region.
The renovations were managed by the Office of Security Cooperation (OSC) at the U.S. Embassy and Consulate as part of humanitarian assistance initiatives provided by the Department of Defense to partner countries. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers implemented the new systems, which are expected to increase electrical capacity by 20%. These improvements will also allow for the integration of modern X-ray equipment and future expansions while providing a stable climate for operating rooms and post-operative care.
During an inauguration ceremony for the project, Lawrence Petroni, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Mission in Ecuador, signed a commemorative certificate alongside Lorena Cajas, Mayor of Shushufindi. Other notable attendees included Colonel “Wayne” Gerard Surrett from the U.S. Department of Defense Southern Command; Geovana Pozo, Governor of Sucumbíos; and Dr. Hilda López Giler, District Health Director of Shushufindi.
"This investment will increase Shushufindi’s public health capacity," stated Petroni during his speech at the event. "Our humanitarian assistance program aims to support friendly countries so that they can provide better health services to their people."
This project exemplifies how the U.S. Military collaborates with various sectors within Ecuadorian society through donation programs, training sessions, professional exchanges, and more to support local communities.