Article We're looking for hospital equipment
We're always looking for good equipment and supplies for Hospital San Miguel. Do you have access to any?
Read postNEWS.
Stories, newsletters and annual reports from the team behind Quina Care.
Article 
Article Introducing Robin Maas
As of April 2026 I am officially taking on the role of secretary. Allow me to introduce myself!
Article Putumayo Run 2026 — run with us, host a hub, share the story or sponsor the runners
On Sunday October 18, 2026 we run together around the world for the running costs of Hospital San Miguel. Take part, start your own hub, or help out by sharing the campaign via our own QR code.
Article We're renewing our website
We're building a refreshed website: faster, searchable, and with live figures straight from Hospital San Miguel.
Article Nootdorp4life's sponsored ride for Quina Care
The Nootdorp group of friends Nootdorp4life held their annual sponsored ride, and this year the proceeds went to Quina Care and Hospital San Miguel.
Article Floortje to the end of the world
In November, Dutch TV presenter Floortje Dessing visited hospital San Miguel to film an episode of her programme 'Floortje naar het einde van de wereld'. She spent five days capturing life in Puerto el Carmen — broadcast on Monday 26 January at 20:30 on NPO1.
Newsletter Newsletter January 2026
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Vlog Hospital San Miguel
Welcome to Hospital San Miguel — produced by Wedovoodoo.tv.
Newsletter Newsletter October 2025
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article Karen Vanessa Tamba Jurado
My name is Karen Vanessa Tamba Jurado, I am 27 years old and currently part of the nursing team at San Miguel Hospital – Quina Care Foundation.
Article Magali Maribel Chacón Aguilar
Hello, I'm Magali Maribel Chacón Aguilar. I'm 40 years old and married to Ronald Paz.
Article Mercedes Lidia Dagua Noteno
I was born on December 10, 1989. I am currently 35 years old. I come from the canton of Putumayo, in the province of Sucumbíos.
Article Patricia Coromoto Picón Nadales
I didn't choose the easiest path, but I chose the one that allowed me to reach my goal. That's how I ended up at San Miguel Hospital.
Article Ambar Katherine Pazmiño Villafuerte
“One always returns to the place where one was happy.” Ambar Katherine Pazmiño Villafuerte, receptionist Who am I? I believe I’m a very normal and ordinary person, just like most people. At this...
Newsletter Newsletter July 2025
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article Angelo Xavier Reyes Barco
My name is Angelo Reyes. I was born on August 7, 1996, in the city of Ibarra, Ecuador — a city known for its many lakes and beautiful nature, which make its landscapes truly unique.
Article Gema Karolina Zambrano García
My name is Gema García. I consider myself a young, qualified nurse and my career in healthcare began in 2016, when – driven by a desire to grow – I decided to leave my beautiful coastal hometown of San Vicente to begin studying nursing at the University of Manabí (UTM).
Annual report Annual report 2024
2024 marked an important milestone: with the operating and delivery rooms the hospital became fully functioning.
Article Jessica Rodriguez Valencia
My experience as a patient taught me that I wanted to focus on healthcare, and over time, I was able to realize my dream of becoming a nurse.
Newsletter Newsletter March 2025
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article Porcelain houses workshop
Make two porcelain houses in Everdien's studio — one for yourself and one for the Quina Yura — and support care at Hospital San Miguel with the proceeds.
Article First scientific publication
Hospital San Miguel's first scientific publication appears in Emerging Infectious Diseases, the journal of the US CDC.
Vlog Promoting Hospital San Miguel in the US
A vlog about Dr Jacob van der Ende's visit to the United States to raise the profile of Hospital San Miguel.
Newsletter Newsletter October 2024
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Vlog The operating and delivery rooms are open
A vlog about the next big milestone: the operating and delivery rooms at Hospital San Miguel are now in use.
Newsletter Newsletter June 2024
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Annual report Annual report 2023
The highlight of 2023 was the opening of the nursing ward at Hospital San Miguel.
Article A hospital in the Amazon region of Ecuador
A hospital in the Amazon region of Ecuador.Carolien and Jacob van der Ende, doctors Waking up in the Amazon is already a pleasure. After a night filled with the sounds of crickets, frogs, toads, and...
Article Marilu Isabel Calderon Hidalgo
Hello, I am Marilu Isabel Calderon Hidalgo. I am 28 years old, married to Robinson Paz, and I have two children, Valentina, who is 11 years old, and Miller, who is 8 years old.
Newsletter Newsletter March 2024
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article Merlijn Hutteman
I am pleased to introduce myself as a new board member of the Quina Care Foundation. My name is Merlijn Hutteman, and I reside and work in Nijmegen.
Article Miel Bartels
A woman in her late forties sits across from me. She is a single mother, running one of the many breakfast and lunch spots in the village.
Article Yvonne van der Ende-Blaszyk
This summer, I visited the hospital again. It had been over a year since my last visit, and there were noticeable changes.
Article Hospital San Miguel becomes an A2CARES research site
Hospital San Miguel is officially recognised as an A2CARES research site within the CREID network and launches a pilot study into affordable molecular diagnostics.
Article Hanna Hazenberg
07.40. The front door buzzes. I quickly pick up my mug of coffee to head to the entry gate via the hospital patio, enjoying the sunlight that shines in through the adjacent trees.
Vlog Clinical wards are open!
A vlog about a milestone: the inpatient wards of Hospital San Miguel are open.
Article Maria Vanessa Dávila Campos
I am Vanessa Dávila, born on October 20, 1993, in Barinas, Venezuela, in a region known for its beautiful nature, "a flat landscape with a path lined with palm trees and sun." I am the third of four siblings, and my parents, Flor and Gerardo, work as teachers.
Newsletter Newsletter November 2023
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article Andrea Paola Tenorio Chamba
Let me introduce myself: I am Andrea Paola Tenorio Chamba, better known as Pao. I was born in Quito but grew up in Loja. I graduated as a general physician three years ago from the prestigious Central University of Ecuador...
Article Cootje Bouwman-Zaaijer
In April, I had the opportunity to visit our hospital in Puerto el Carmen again. As luck would have it, just two days after my arrival, I was able to join the team.
Newsletter Newsletter July 2023
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Annual report Annual report 2022
2022 was the first full year that Hospital San Miguel was open — a busy and good year.
Article Baukje Zaaijer
I am Baukje Zaaijer, 30 years of age and I grew up in Friesland. Together with my husband I live in beautiful Groningen! Carolien is my cousin; through her I was inspired to become a doctor.
Newsletter Newsletter April 2023
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article Gladys Judith Mamallacta Andi
*"We all have a calling as unique as a fingerprint**. "* **Gladys Judith Mamallacta Andi, assistant nurse** We all have a calling as unique as a fingerprint, and the best way to be successful is to discover what you love and to find a way to offer that to others, by working hard and being guided by the universe's energy.
Newsletter Newsletter February 2023
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article Martha Lidia Arimuya Tanguila
Hi, I would like to share some thoughts about my working experience at Hospital San Miguel. My name is Martha Lidia Arimuya Tanguila, born in the Putumayo canton. I currently live in the Puerto el Carmen parish, the town that was also part of my youth and adolescence...
Article Pieter Staarink
During the handover at work back in The Netherlands we debated whether someone can be transferred, because the new hospital will be difficult to reach for the parents. We discuss this with 9 people for a few minutes, we weigh some options, and decide it's not in their best interest...
Newsletter Newsletter October 2022
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article Andrea Margarita Diaz Saenz
My name is Andrea Margarita Diaz Saenz and I'm originally from the Amazon area. I've spent a substantial part of my youth and teenage years in Colombia, where I completed my primary school education...
Newsletter Newsletter July 2022
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article Hans Wilke
“My first thought was: this fits me perfectly!”“My first thought was: this fits me perfectly!”Hans Wilke, medical analystIt all started with a newspaper article in the NRC, sometime in November 2020:...
Article Darius Blaszyk
The electronic patient record keeps Hospital San Miguel paperless and anticipates the hospital's growth.
Annual report Annual report 2021
Despite the pandemic, Quina Care reached a milestone: Hospital San Miguel opened on 7 November 2021.
Newsletter Newsletter May 2022
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article Rosa Elvira Pérez Tobar
We all have dreams, ambitions, goals and wishes which make life worth it. When we want to reach them, we have to work on that daily.
Newsletter Newsletter March 2022
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article Hospital San Miguel has become reality
It has happened, the dream has come true: Hospital San Miguel has been opened and is very busy. Three months ago at eight o'clock in the morning the first patient was waiting before the big blue doors even opened.
Newsletter Extra newsletter – Opening Hospital San Miguel
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Newsletter Newsletter October 2021
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Vlog Staff residence with tropical garden
A vlog about the staff residence with a tropical garden, so the team can live comfortably by the hospital.
Vlog A well-functioning laboratory is vital
A vlog about why a well-functioning laboratory is vital for good diagnostics at the hospital.
Article Ricardo Salazar
I walked into the building that has been my school for 7 years. It looked different because of all the building materials and tools, the debris and construction workers, but also the stretchers in the hallway that used to locate our school rooms...
Newsletter Newsletter July 2021
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Annual report Annual report 2020
2020 was strongly affected by COVID-19; opening the hospital came close but was not yet feasible.
Article SponsorKliks
Support Quina Care at no extra cost to you — through SponsorKliks.
Article Louisa Spaans – I don’t want to live just for myself
My name is Louisa Spaans, 27 years, and born in Minneapolis. My parents are Dutch and I was raised in Ecuador. After completing high school in Guayaquil I studied medicine in Maastricht...
Newsletter Newsletter April 2021
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article What’s happening in Puerto el Carmen?
Ecuador has been in a lockdown for a year. Following The Netherlands after one day the borders closed on 17 March 2020. And they remain closed.
Article Matthijs Altena
'We are going to establish a hospital in an empty boarding school in the Ecuadorian rainforest. Would you like to set up the ICT as you have done in Yele?' This question was raised by Carolien and Jacob on a visit in The Netherlands...
Newsletter Newsletter January 2021
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article Elvis David Salazar Iles
“It’s a certainty that many patients will find their way to the hospital.” Elvis David Salazar Iles, contractorWho are you, where are you from and how many kids do you have? My name is Elvis David...
Newsletter Newsletter October 2020
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Vlog We're almost there!
A vlog about the final stretch: the hospital is almost, almost, almost ready.
Annual report Annual report 2019
Big steps were taken in 2019, bringing the opening of the hospital a good deal closer.
Newsletter Newsletter July 2020
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article Building in times of crisis
The countries within South-America, including Ecuador, are currently hit by the Coronavirus.
Article Floris van der Sman
Floris is a behavioural biologist at IVN, where he lets young and old experience how fun, healthy and important nature is.
Newsletter Newsletter April 2020
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article Renovation second floor started!
There are projects where all of a sudden, everything turns out perfectly. The hospital is that kind of project.
Newsletter Newsletter January 2020
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article Quina Care is growing
Quina Care is growing steadily.
Newsletter Newsletter October 2019
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Vlog The roof is off!
A vlog about a big step in the renovation: the roof comes off.
Article Elza Heemskerk, architect
“The language of construction is universal”Elza Heemskerk, architectIt was last year in May that I met Jacob and Carolien on a busy bus station in Ecuador by chance. It was during my backpacking trip...
Newsletter Newsletter July 2019
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article There’s always a different way
Renovations often evoke stories that cause slight headaches. Doorways that open the wrong way, walls that should've stayed intact are demolished and authentic murals that have already been removed.
Annual report Annual report 2018
The second year since the foundation was established: the hospital location became definite.
Vlog First tour
A vlog with a first tour of the building that will become our hospital.
Vlog Renovation started!
A vlog about the start of the renovation: the building is being turned into a real hospital.
Article Toilets or sockets?
It doesn't matter whether you're renovating in the Netherlands or Ecuador. Finding a good contractor is a tricky business.
Newsletter Newsletter April 2019
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Vlog Guayaquil
A vlog about a trip to Guayaquil, Ecuador's big port city, for the hospital project.
Vlog Radio Cuyabeno
A vlog about our visit to Radio Cuyabeno, sharing the work of Quina Care in the region.
Article Coffee Project
A coffee project has started in partnership with the ‘Delftse Tafelronde’ and the Delft-located coffee roaster Miss Morrison, the proceeds of which will go to Quina Care.
Vlog Clearing the boarding school
A vlog about clearing out the old boarding school: the building that will be turned into our hospital.
Newsletter Newsletter January 2019
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Vlog Meeting community leaders
A vlog about a meeting with the local community leaders — essential for a hospital built together with the community.
Article Quina Care U.S.A.
We receive money from many different sources, sometimes from where you least expect it.
Article Amazon
The Amazon rainforest covers about half of Ecuador — a vast, inaccessible region with the world's greatest biodiversity, where living conditions are extremely tough.
Article Ecuador
Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, is a South American country on the equator on the continent's west coast — over six times the size of the Netherlands, with 17 million inhabitants.
Article Putumayo
The Putumayo district is located in the north of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, about the size of the province of South-Holland, bordering Colombia and Peru.
Newsletter Newsletter October 2018
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article Elevator or ramp?
Imagine you want to (re)build a hospital. Where to start? Even if you have never worked in a hospital, it's relatively easy to make a list of what you'd need to have in place to get up and running.
Article Nice and sweet!
It's done. A one-year work experience in a remote area, in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. From start to finish it was impressive and useful.
Vlog Double full-time
A vlog about working at full tilt: two doctors, double full-time, to get the hospital off the ground.
Newsletter Newsletter July 2018
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article No day is the same
An impression of the patient population that visit the hospital deep down in the jungle on any typical day.
Vlog Medical brigade
A vlog about a medical brigade in the Ecuadorian Amazon, bringing care to those who live furthest from any hospital.
Annual report Annual report 2017
2017 was dedicated to setting up the Quina Care Foundation administratively and structurally.
Newsletter Newsletter April 2018
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article We have a building!
You often receive the best advice from somewhere you least expect it.
Article Nuevo Rocafuerte is the world
Living for a full year in one of the most remote places of the country: Nuevo Rocafuerte. No other doctor volunteers to go here.
Vlog Recap: it's going very well!
A vlog with an update on the project in the Ecuadorian Amazon: it's going very well.
Newsletter Newsletter January 2018
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.
Article The search for Putumayo
After months of travelling rivers and bumpy jungle roads, a destination emerges: Puerto el Carmen de Putumayo, on the Colombian border. An account of our search for the right place to build a hospital.
Vlog Down south
A vlog from the journey south through the Ecuadorian Amazon, drawing ever closer to the border region with Colombia.
Article The road of the wild people
Our visit to the hospital in Nuevo Rocafuerte more or less coincided with the arrival of a new doctor over there. This doctor, like his predecessor also a Spanish priest, had arrived two weeks before.
Vlog As far as possible
A vlog about pushing as far as possible into the rainforest, to reach the people who live furthest from any care.
Article To the jungle
A rainforest full of people in need of medical care. How do you decide on one location?
Article On the ministry
The simple fact of being registered as a doctor with the local education service is enough to acquire a visa for an indefinite period of time. No job yet? Doesn't matter. Being a doctor is enough.
Vlog Night rides
A vlog from the road: travelling through the Ecuadorian Amazon, well into the night, in search of the place where a hospital can make the biggest difference.
Article Patience…
You'll need more than a huge dose of enthusiasm if you plan to build a hospital in South America. The first obstacle is the possibility to register as a doctor.
Article The beginning
What started out as a high school love,
Article There we go!
The Ebola crisis is over, we've left Africa behind and we're now on that other continent that badly needs medical care too: South America.
Newsletter Newsletter October 2017
Every few months we send out a newsletter with updates about our work in Ecuador, the people behind the mission and the progress of our projects.