News
- The agreement marks the beginning of a plan to reduce waiting lists and guarantee timely attention by specialists and medical missions brought to the area.
As part of a day-long event dedicated to community development and well-being, the Municipality of María Elena and SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition signed an agreement to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic to improve medical care in María Elena and Quillagua.
This agreement contemplates an initial stage where over 4,800 people will be seen by general practitioners, with the aim of identifying chronic diseases and determining the most needed specialties.
“This agreement will enable us to care for thousands of people from María Elena and Quillagua through medical missions, which will begin in the coming weeks, and will let us to contribute concretely to the reduction of waiting lists and timely care for all, supporting the local health clinic and other actors,” added Rodrigo Vera, Vice President of Planning and Projects for SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition.
The mayor of María Elena, Viviana Cuello, highlighted the value of this alliance: “Signing this agreement is not just an administrative act; it is the result of months of frank, serious and responsible conversations aimed at a goal we share: strengthening community health. I would like to acknowledge and thank SQM for opening this path of public-private collaboration. When wills are aligned, when the focus is on people, we are able to generate concrete, visible changes.”
Installation of security cameras
At the event, the company also announced the installation of 25 surveillance cameras at strategic points in María Elena, linked to the National Police and municipal government, to provide a timely response to emergencies.
“It will undoubtedly help our institution, as it will allow us to fight crime and identify misconduct occurring in the town, and then prosecute the wrongdoers,” said Lieutenant Matías Mulato, head of the National Police’s María Elena Station.
In addition, it delivered a road safety study on the intersection of the Panamerican Highway 5 and Crucero (B24), which will serve as technical support for future negotiations with the Ministry of Public Works or other authorities to promote concrete improvements at this critical point.
The first “María Elena Centennial Recognition” was also presented at the event. This year’s recipient was the municipality, with the award being received by the mayor, the town council members and the work team in the run-up to the celebration of the town’s 100th anniversary in May 2026.
These actions reflect the commitment from SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition and the local authorities to build a safer, healthier María Elena with an eye on the future.
