Nathaly López Borja

Nathaly Cristina López Borja (Guayaquil, 23 November 1987 – Guayaquil, 28 March 2023) was an Ecuadorian commerce and finance engineer, activist, and university professor, with extensive experience in public service within the administrative field in the country's hospitals. She stood out for her commitment in the fight against corruption.

Early life and education Nathaly Cristina López Borja was born on 23 November 1987, in the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil.

She completed her primary and secondary education at the German School of Guayaquil (1993–2005), where she graduated with a degree in Commercial Informatics.

In addition to her professional practice, she also volunteered at the Humboldt German School of Guayaquil and was actively involved in the Animal Rescue Foundation of Ecuador.

On 25 October 2022, she was appointed director of the Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Specialties Hospital, with responsibilities including overall administrative coordination. She supervised various areas, including public procurement. She was also in charge of general financial coordination and general human resources coordination.

López implemented changes in the procurement processes and, together with the hospital's administrative team, monitored and even blocked instances of corruption. to explain the ongoing work and her aim to make procurement transparent and provide better service to affiliates and retirees. López was driving her vehicle towards her home when she was ambushed by two hitmen at the intersection of the elevated viaduct of Pío Jaramillo Avenue. The attack took place while hospital executives were promoting a procedure to make public procurement processes transparent.

Repercussions Following the attack on Nathaly López, several officials holding managerial positions at the Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Specialties Hospital tendered their resignations between the night of Tuesday, 28 March, and the morning of Wednesday, 29 March, after receiving threats such as "If you don't resign tomorrow, you'll die too." Less than 12 hours after the crime, there was a massive resignation of officials, with reports of death threats targeting chiefs and coordinators working at the hospital. Fear and concern persist. A week before López's murder, photos of threats were circulating in the elevators.

Her death caused great shock within the hospital community. She was described as a brilliant professional with many virtues who wanted to transform a hospital. The following morning, the media reported the bitter disappointment that someone fighting against corruption had become a victim of violence. Violence and corruption cannot take away more innocent lives. The responsible individuals for this crime must be held accountable before justice and society," added Borrero. The National Police of Ecuador reported that specialized units have been deployed to apprehend those responsible for this crime. "We will not allow this incident to go unpunished." The incident reaffirms the levels of violence and insecurity that the Andean country is currently facing in 2023. Following the attack on López, officials from three hospitals are under protection due to organized crime attacks. The hospitals of the IESS are under police intelligence intervention after Nathaly López's murder. The objective is to detect the mafias operating within Ecuador's healthcare system, which would be involved in the crime, as well as other attacks against healthcare workers. Tributes The North External Consultation building of Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Hospital has been dedicated in honor of Nathaly López Borja, who held the position of administrative director of the hospital.