IGSS leads the initiative that benefits thousands of kidney patients in Guatemala

The Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS) presented the fourth phase of the program aimed at regionalization and improvement of the quality of care for 5,200 kidney patients.

The initiative is implemented within the framework of the UNOPS-IGSS agreement through the implementation of 29 national care centers.

Guatemala, September 08, 2021. As part of the decentralization process and improvement of renal treatment services at the national level, IGSS authorities and UNOPS recently attended the opening event of the new hemodialysis center in Cobán, with the participation of Licenciado José Adolfo Flamenco Jau, IGSS President, Dr. Ana Marilyn Ortiz, IGSS Manager, the hemodialysis provider company and UNOPS representatives.

Since 2018, IGSS has been leading a component aimed at improvement, efficiency, and regionalizing hemodialysis and dialysis services for kidney patients affiliated with the Social Security, with the support of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

“This is one of the examples of the arduous effort that is made at the administrative level within the Institute to be able to provide them with the best quality service with dignity that patients deserve,” said José Adolfo Flamenco, IGSS President.

The Social Security of Guatemala, through UNOPS, has conducted four international tenders for the procurement of services associated with the supply of renal treatments, including the installation of the centers, upgrading facilities, high-tech equipment, and start-up of 29 hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis care units throughout the country.

“I have been able to interview some patients who are very satisfied, they see the new, innovative equipment and caring, quality care, and treatment that is more comprehensive. As Manager of the Institute, I am very pleased to be able to give patients better care, we are achieving it through a partnership with the United Nations with regionalization and innovation to bring services closer to our patients,” said Dr. Ana Marilyn Ortiz. IGSS Manager.

This process is carried out in four phases: i) ambulatory hemodialysis at the Panchoy Clinic, Antigua; ii) peritoneal dialysis services; iii) hiring in-hospital treatment and iv) outsourced ambulatory hemodialysis. The initiative began in 2018 and will be executed until 2023.

"Closer patient service not only allows a more comfortable life, but it dramatically decreases health risks," said Andrea Calvaruso, Director of UNOPS in Guatemala.

IGSS supplier companies play a very important role in the process, as they are responsible for the care centers and have a direct relationship with renal patients and their families. “For us as SUMEDICA/Fresenius Medical Care to participate in this process initiated by Social Security in Guatemala is of great importance. We are one of the most important specialized companies in hemodialysis services in the world. For this reason, our contribution to this effort involves providing state-of-the-art technology, specialized knowledge, and the best service for IGSS patients,” explained Rómulo Gallo, Manager for Central America, and the Caribbean at Fresenius Medical Care.

The Zone 1 Renal Treatment Center is one of the national centers that are part of the UNOPS-supported IGSS program. This center was remodeled and expanded. It has the capacity to care for up to 480 patients in 4 shifts, with 60 equipment installed and 6 backup equipment.