For the first time, the Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social (IESS) in Guayaquil opened its doors on a Saturday, providing essential services to users who cannot attend during regular weekday hours. This initiative, which took place on February 7, 2023, was executed by the provincial directorate of Guayas in collaboration with Citizen Attention Coordination. Johana Fernández, the technical officer responsible for the Citizen Attention Unit of IESS Guayas, highlighted that this extraordinary service was tailored to meet the needs of those struggling with work or scheduling conflicts on weekdays.

The Saturday service offered various administrative functions such as unlocking access codes, updating personal data, and validating banking accounts, making it a significant convenience for many citizens. One of the main objectives of this initiative is to alleviate the pressure on weekday appointments and streamline the process for users who often find it challenging to visit during normal hours. Fernández noted that the efficiency was promising, reporting quick waiting times for services like unlocking accounts, which took no longer than one or two minutes.

The opening of the IESS on Saturday signals a positive move towards inclusivity in public services in Ecuador, addressing a gap that has long existed for working individuals. As this initiative progresses, its overall impact on public perception and user satisfaction will be critical in determining whether similar efforts are expanded across other types of services or regions, ultimately improving citizen engagement with government institutions.