The Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS) has announced a significant overhaul of its appointment scheduling system, known as Phuyu, which aims to introduce an additional 4,000 daily appointments across various specialties. This comes as a response to the growing demand for medical services within the country. The reorganization will optimize consultation times to enhance the operational capacity of health facilities, ensuring that more patients have access to timely medical care.

To facilitate this increase in appointments, the IESS is implementing a new module that allows for quick consultations lasting ten minutes. This will enable healthcare providers to address specific medical procedures, deliver results, and manage follow-up appointments efficiently. For non-surgical specialties, consultation durations will be set at 20 minutes per patient, ensuring that clinical evaluations are thorough and of high quality.

In addition to increasing the number of available appointments, the IESS is also focusing on reducing waiting times, which have been a persistent issue due to high demand. By ensuring follow-up appointments are generated during subsequent visits, the institute aims to maintain continuity in patient care, ultimately improving health outcomes for the Ecuadorian population. This strategic move reflects the IESS's commitment to enhancing public health services and addressing the needs of its users more effectively.