Andean Health & Development (AHD) is fundamentally changing rural health care in Ecuador by providing sustainable, quality medical care today and by training the rural health care leaders of tomorrow.
We are committed to an expanded vision of primary care based on small rural hospitals that are the focal point for comprehensive community health, championing prevention while saving the lives of children and adults every day.
“Sustainable” means we do not generate operating deficits. We accomplish this because we are community-based with local staff supported completely with the efficient use of local funds, and through a public – private partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Security Administration. This aspect distinguishes AHD from mission hospitals. While certainly mission-style hospitals’ work is often of high quality, they require outside funding and external staff. The model, though admirable, is not sustainable.
“Quality” means we operate utilizing the best medical and administrative practices available. Our results are carefully measured using applied 21st century information systems. Our best practices are innovative, transparent, and accountable. The hospitals provide 24-hour care and utilize technology to streamline processes and procedures. Hospital PVM functions completely with electronic medical records, a first in rural hospitals in Ecuador This degree of quality distinguishes AHD from the MOH hospitals, which are typically considered a destination of last resort.
“Training” means providing comprehensive education of our best medical and administrative practices to our physician residents and our nursing students. These programs are conducted in partnership with the Catholic University of Ecuador and the Luis Vargas Torres University of La Concordia. Professionals in training follow the comprehensive AHD Manual. This differentiates AHD doctors and nurses from those who work in the traditional public health sector, where formal residency training is not required. Physicians are generally hired directly from medical school with little or no hands-on experience.
