Mercy Maldonado Galarza

Mercy Maldonado Galarza is a prominent figure in Ecuador's social security system, having served as the alternate representative of the insured in the Board of Directors of the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security (IESS) since late 2022. Recently, she was in the news following her dismissal from this position, which was denounced by former assembly member Henry Llanes as politically motivated retaliation for her opposition to irregularities in the procurement of medications during a national emergency. Maldonado has publicly stated that her removal was an arbitrary action stemming from her commitment to protect the interests of the insured and ensure the sustainability of the IESS.