Peru: Policlínico Peruano Americano

Background

RMF’S PRESENCE

On August 15, 2007, Pisco, Perú experienced a deadly earthquake: 7.9 on the Richter scale. Over 1,000 people died, 40,000 families were left without homes, and 150,000 people were left without water. The majority of the health infrastructure was damaged or destroyed in the earthquake, and many people were in need of medical attention. Real Medicine Foundation’s team was deployed to Perú on October 12, 2007 in an effort to assist those in need.

The primary objective of our project is to bring long-term, quality healthcare to the earthquake victims who lost their homes, possessions, and, in many cases, loved ones. The areas most affected were Pisco, Ica, Chincha, Cañete, and Huancavelica. The site of the RMF clinic is in San Clemente, Pisco. San Clemente is the poorest district of Pisco, and an overwhelming majority of people cannot afford to pay for health services. In addition, outreach programs have been initiated to address the health needs in remote and impoverished areas around San Clemente and Pisco. RMF’s clinic, Policlínico Peruano Americano, provides all basic health services for free. To promote co-responsibility and sustainability, the clinic requests a minimal fee for specialty services, such as lab work and ultrasounds, and offers wholesale prices for medication. Patients who cannot afford minimal fees or wholesale prices are not charged. The clinic places strong emphasis on prevention and education, and this is evident in all facets of the clinic’s operations.

DURING THIS QUARTER:

• An agreement was reached with the neighbors of Pedregal, in which we have committed to repair and maintain the facilities of their location in order to function as the RMFP Clinic (Peruvian American Private Hospital). We will also be responsible for paying the utilities (electric/water), but we will not pay rent. Consultation fees will be waived for the 70 members of the neighborhood committee when they are needed.
• We will require 15 days to repair and clean the location to be ready for our move on April 17th.
• We have begun the paperwork for the new municipal license and the DIRESA permit for the new location.
• RMFP opened its doors at the new address in Pisco on April 27th.
• We have started a new project for our organization to offer a new service, which will bring psychology to the attention of the general population, which still needs to be approved.
• A market study was conducted regarding the possibility of offering the services of an occupational clinic. The study report was sent to the organization internally.
• Dentistry services have been reactivated.
• Total Number of Direct Beneficiaries: 801

Cardenas Jimeno Jose

17 Years Old

The patient, 17-year-old Cardenas Jimeno Jose, came to the clinic presenting with back pain for the last seven days, which made him unable to sit or lie down. He complained of intense pain accompanied by chills. Upon palpation, the doctor observed a papule, which resulted in a diagnosis of panniculitis. After the examination, the patient was given treatment and was advised to return after five days of treatment for a new evaluation, and the papule will be drained if necessary.

Treatment:

• Diclofenac 75 mg and dexamethasone 4 mg intramuscularly every 24 hours for 3 days
• Dicloxacillin 500 mg every 8 hours for 5 days
• Naproxen 500 mg every 8 hours for 5 days

Duran Toledo Javier

43 Years Old

Duran Toledo Javier is a 43-year-old patient who came to the clinic for medical attention. During his consult, he mentioned that three months ago he cut his toenails and a few days later began feeling pain in his big toe on his right foot. For three days he took pills from the pharmacy for the pain, but the pain did not go away and it prevented him from walking. Since he had been a patient of the clinic before, he decided to come in for a consult. After the medical examination, the doctor diagnosed him with an ingrown toenail and extracted the nail. Following the procedure, the doctor prescribed medication.

Treatment:

• Diclofenac 75 mg and dexamethasone 4 mg and ceftriaxone 1 g IM/STAF
• Dicloxacillin 500 mg every 8 hours for 5 days
• Naproxen 500 mg every 8 hours for 5 days
• Dolodran (extra strong) every 12 hours for 3 days

Jerves Corilla Salguero

15 Years Old

Jerves Corilla Salguero is a 15-year-old patient who came with his father to the clinic for medical attention. During the consult, he explained to the doctor that he had a fever for three days as well as pain in his throat and difficulty eating. He mentioned that he’d received treatment previously through social security, but his symptoms did not resolve, possibly due to tonsillopharyngitis. During the doctor’s examination, she observed pinpoint injuries in the mouth, painful to the touch, which resulted in a diagnosis of herpangina (mouth blisters).

Treatment:

• Repriman 500 mg, 1 tab depending on fever
• Aftotex and spren 30 ml every 8 hours for 7 days

Conislla Flores Norma

52 Years Old

Conislla Flores Norma is a 52-year-old patient who came to the clinic for medical attention due to symptoms of intense headache, nausea, and muscle pain for three days. She mentioned to the doctor that five years ago she had an operation for ganglion cancer, for which she receives radiation and chemotherapy treatment every three months. The medical examination of the presenting signs and symptoms resulted in a diagnosis of tension headache and anxiety syndrome.

Treatment:

• Diclofenac 75 mg/3 ml, 1.5 ampoules for 3 days
• Dexamethasone 4 mg/2 ml, 1 ampoule for 3 days
• Irrigor Plus 1 tab every 24 hours for 3 days

Morel Quintana Fernando

79 Years Old

Morel Quintana Fernando is a 78-year-old patient who came to the clinic presenting with a lesion on the tongue for approximately two weeks. He mentioned feeling itchy in the affected area and discomfort when eating. During the examination, the doctor observed the presence of a cystic-type lesion on the tongue, approximately 2×2 centimeters, with light bleeding. The medical examination of the presenting signs and symptoms resulted in a diagnosis of leukoplakia on the tongue.

The doctor prescribed no treatment at this time, but told the patient to have lab tests performed in order to rule out cancer of the tongue. The patient has still not returned with the results.