ArticleThe container is on its way!
The shipping container full of medical equipment and supplies is on its way to Ecuador. It is expected to arrive in the port of Guayaquil soon.
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Stories, newsletters and annual reports from the team behind Quina Care.
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ArticleVan der Lely Foundation supports accessible healthcare in Ecuador's Amazon region
The Van der Lely Foundation supports Hospital San Miguel in Ecuador's Amazon region.
ArticleWe're looking for hospital equipment
We're always looking for good equipment and supplies for Hospital San Miguel. Do you have access to any?
ArticleIntroducing Robin Maas
As of April 2026 I am officially taking on the role of secretary. Allow me to introduce myself!
ArticlePutumayo 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.
ArticleWe're renewing our website
We're building a refreshed website: faster, searchable, and with live figures straight from Hospital San Miguel.
ArticleNootdorp4life'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.
ArticleFloortje 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.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
VlogHospital San Miguel
Welcome to Hospital San Miguel — produced by Wedovoodoo.tv.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleKaren 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.
ArticleMagali Maribel Chacón Aguilar
Hello, I'm Magali Maribel Chacón Aguilar. I'm 40 years old and married to Ronald Paz.
ArticleMercedes 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.
ArticlePatricia 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.
ArticleAmbar 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...
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleAngelo 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.
ArticleGema 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 reportAnnual report 2024
2024 marked an important milestone: with the operating and delivery rooms the hospital became fully functioning.
ArticleJessica 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.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticlePorcelain 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.
ArticleFirst scientific publication
Hospital San Miguel's first scientific publication appears in Emerging Infectious Diseases, the journal of the US CDC.
VlogPromoting 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.
ArticlePolicy Plan
POLICY PLAN POLICY PLAN POLICY PLAN 2024-2027 POLICY PLAN 2024-2027
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
VlogThe 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.
NewsletterNewsletter 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 reportAnnual report 2023
The highlight of 2023 was the opening of the nursing ward at Hospital San Miguel.
ArticleA 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...
ArticleMarilu 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.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleMerlijn 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.
ArticleMiel 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.
ArticleYvonne 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.
ArticleHospital 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.
ArticleHanna 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.
VlogClinical wards are open!
A vlog about a milestone: the inpatient wards of Hospital San Miguel are open.
ArticleMaria 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.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleAndrea 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...
ArticleCootje 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.
NewsletterNewsletter 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 reportAnnual report 2022
2022 was the first full year that Hospital San Miguel was open — a busy and good year.
ArticleBaukje 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.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleGladys 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.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleMartha 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...
ArticlePieter 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...
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleAndrea 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...
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleHans 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:...
ArticleDarius Blaszyk
The electronic patient record keeps Hospital San Miguel paperless and anticipates the hospital's growth.
Annual reportAnnual report 2021
Despite the pandemic, Quina Care reached a milestone: Hospital San Miguel opened on 7 November 2021.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleRosa 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.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleHospital 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.
NewsletterExtra 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.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
VlogStaff residence with tropical garden
A vlog about the staff residence with a tropical garden, so the team can live comfortably by the hospital.
VlogA well-functioning laboratory is vital
A vlog about why a well-functioning laboratory is vital for good diagnostics at the hospital.
ArticleRicardo 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...
NewsletterNewsletter 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 reportAnnual report 2020
2020 was strongly affected by COVID-19; opening the hospital came close but was not yet feasible.
ArticleSponsorKliks
Support Quina Care at no extra cost to you — through SponsorKliks.
ArticleLouisa 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...
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleWhat’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.
ArticleMatthijs 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...
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleElvis 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...
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
VlogWe're almost there!
A vlog about the final stretch: the hospital is almost, almost, almost ready.
Annual reportAnnual report 2019
Big steps were taken in 2019, bringing the opening of the hospital a good deal closer.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleBuilding in times of crisis
The countries within South-America, including Ecuador, are currently hit by the Coronavirus.
ArticleFloris van der Sman
Floris is a behavioural biologist at IVN, where he lets young and old experience how fun, healthy and important nature is.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleRenovation second floor started!
There are projects where all of a sudden, everything turns out perfectly. The hospital is that kind of project.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleQuina Care is growing
Quina Care is growing steadily.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
VlogThe roof is off!
A vlog about a big step in the renovation: the roof comes off.
ArticleElza 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...
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleThere’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 reportAnnual report 2018
The second year since the foundation was established: the hospital location became definite.
VlogFirst tour
A vlog with a first tour of the building that will become our hospital.
VlogRenovation started!
A vlog about the start of the renovation: the building is being turned into a real hospital.
ArticleToilets or sockets?
It doesn't matter whether you're renovating in the Netherlands or Ecuador. Finding a good contractor is a tricky business.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
VlogGuayaquil
A vlog about a trip to Guayaquil, Ecuador's big port city, for the hospital project.
VlogRadio Cuyabeno
A vlog about our visit to Radio Cuyabeno, sharing the work of Quina Care in the region.
ArticleCoffee 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.
VlogClearing the boarding school
A vlog about clearing out the old boarding school: the building that will be turned into our hospital.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
VlogMeeting community leaders
A vlog about a meeting with the local community leaders — essential for a hospital built together with the community.
ArticleQuina Care U.S.A.
We receive money from many different sources, sometimes from where you least expect it.
ArticleAmazon
The Amazon rainforest covers about half of Ecuador — a vast, inaccessible region with the world's greatest biodiversity, where living conditions are extremely tough.
ArticleEcuador
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.
ArticlePutumayo
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.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleElevator 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.
ArticleNice 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.
VlogDouble full-time
A vlog about working at full tilt: two doctors, double full-time, to get the hospital off the ground.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleNo day is the same
An impression of the patient population that visit the hospital deep down in the jungle on any typical day.
VlogMedical brigade
A vlog about a medical brigade in the Ecuadorian Amazon, bringing care to those who live furthest from any hospital.
Annual reportAnnual report 2017
2017 was dedicated to setting up the Quina Care Foundation administratively and structurally.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleWe have a building!
You often receive the best advice from somewhere you least expect it.
ArticleNuevo 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.
VlogRecap: it's going very well!
A vlog with an update on the project in the Ecuadorian Amazon: it's going very well.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.
ArticleThe 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.
VlogDown south
A vlog from the journey south through the Ecuadorian Amazon, drawing ever closer to the border region with Colombia.
ArticleThe 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.
VlogAs far as possible
A vlog about pushing as far as possible into the rainforest, to reach the people who live furthest from any care.
ArticleTo the jungle
A rainforest full of people in need of medical care. How do you decide on one location?
ArticleOn 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.
VlogNight 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.
ArticlePatience…
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.
ArticleThe beginning
What started out as a high school love,
ArticleThere 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.
NewsletterNewsletter 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.