Peru: Policlínico Peruano Americano
Donations Fund the Start of Noemí’s Treatment: Q4 2016
February 06, 2017
Magali M. de Pujalt, RMF Perú, Executive Director
Summary of Activities
On August 15, 2007, Pisco, Perú experienced a deadly earthquake: 7.9 on the Richter scale. Over 500 people died, 37,000 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.
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.
Full Report
Results &
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Chocolatada Christmas Celebration
Fun for Children
We collected 100 toys for the annual Chocolatada. 80 children attended, ages 2 to 9 years old. These children are previously selected by RMF’s team, which walks through the villages to register families who are in the most need. The expenses for the decorations, music, entertainment, and the gifts were donated by family and friends of RMF. The children were given a gift and a bag of treats (mini panettone, hot chocolate mix, cookies, and candy).
Dental and Hypertension Campaigns
Serving Those In Need
Dental consultations were started. We carried out fluoride campaigns in two primary schools in the city of San Clemente. Also, the RMF Perú team has been carrying out campaigns in different areas of the province for early detection of hypertension.
Noemí
Donations Make Care Possible
We had received some donations for the start of Noemí’s therapy, thanks to the collaboration of friends like Dr. Tapia, who donated $100, which covered 22 days of therapy. Two additional donors, who asked to remain anonymous, provided the $75 for her first corset and $150 for 30 days of therapy. We will continue to spread the word about this case to get more donations, since Noemí still needs 38 more sessions of therapy.
Background
& Objectives
Background
On August 15, 2007, Pisco, Peru experienced a deadly earthquake: 7.9 on the Richter scale. Over 500 people died, more than 37,000 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 the people were in need of medical attention. Real Medicine Foundation’s team was deployed to Peru on October 12 in an effort to assist those most in need.
The primary objective of our project was to bring long-term free healthcare to the victims of the earthquake who had 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 the overwhelming majority of people cannot afford to pay for health services. In addition, outreach programs have been initiated to service the health needs in the very remote and impoverished areas around San Clemente and Pisco.
Objectives
- Treatment of acute and chronic illnesses at our urgent care center, “Policlínico Peruano Americano.”
- To provide 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.
- To improve the comprehensive health of the community through outreach programs, educational programs, and public health initiatives.
- Prevention and health education are strongly emphasized in all facets of the clinic’s operations.
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Photos
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Success
Stories
Noemí
Age 7
In October 2016, we traveled to Lima’s “Clinica San Juan de Dios” with 7-year-old Noemí (our patient with a spinal condition and deformation of the feet) for a consultation with spine specialist Dr. Iparraguirre. After a thorough diagnostic examination, Noemí was diagnosed with neuromuscular scoliosis. Dr. Iparraguirre’s recommendation is that Noemí receive 3 months of daily physical therapy and rehabilitation, use a corset, and undergo a consultation with a pediatric orthopedic specialist.
In Pisco, we have a Physical Rehabilitation Center: OZONED SAC. Upon our return from Lima, Noemí had a consultation with Physical Therapist Jacky Chaves at OZONED SAC. In addition to the diagnosis of scoliosis, Noemí also has:
- Hemiparesis of the left arm
- Cavovarus foot (hip rotation)
- Semi hemiplegia
Noemí needs therapy, as well as orthopedic shoe inserts and an orthopedic corset. After 3 months, we will have a follow-up appointment with spine specialist Dr. Iparraguirre to determine whether Noemí should continue wearing the corset or proceed with a spinal operation. The 3 months of therapy, in addition to the corset, have a cost of $620. RMF Perú is reaching out to our friends to be able to continue with Noemí’s treatment.
Luz Sedano Torres
Age 4
Luz Sedano Torres came to RMF’s clinic, Policlínico Peruano Americano, for a consultation with the doctor. Her body had been itching for 5 days, to the extent that her skin was injured from scratching. The most damaged area was on her face. The doctor examined Luz and recommended that her mother maintain the young girl’s hygiene, because the mother explained that they live in an area with a lot of pollution and water shortages, and Luz is often in contact with the ground since their house is not built with quality materials. Luz was diagnosed with allergic dermatitis.
Treatment:
• Chlorphenamine (10 mg/1 ml) + dexamethasone (4 mg/2 ml), 2 days every 24 hours
• Dicloxacillin 125 mg/5 ml syrup, 4 days
• Chlorphenamine 2 mg/5 ml syrup, every 8 hours for 3 days
• Terbinafine (cream), apply morning and evening for 3 days
The doctor indicated a follow-up appointment after 15 days.
Yanela Ascona Ballarta
Age 9
Yanela Ascona Ballarta has been visiting RMF’s Policlínico Peruano Americano for the last six years. She came to the clinic because of papules (in the form of blisters) all over her body that caused itching. The patient had these symptoms for three days and presented with general discomfort and a fever. The mother told us that her younger daughter also had the same symptoms a few days before the consultation.
After the examination, the doctor explained that Yanela had chickenpox, an infectious disease, which is common at this time of the year. The doctor also provided education to the mother about the importance of vaccines in order to prevent and care for chickenpox, and also let her know that it is dangerously contagious. It is important to follow medication directions and maintain hygiene.
Treatment:
Chlorpheniramine 2 mg/5 ml, every 8 hours for 3 days
Dexamethasone 0.5 mg, every 8 hours for 2 days
Ibuprofen,1/2 tablet every 12 hours for 3 days
Silvia Huaman
Age 44
Silvia Huaman was born in Moyopampa-Huancavelica. For the past 30 years, she has been living in San Clemente. She works doing manual labor. Mrs. Huaman came to RMF’s Policlínico Peruano Americano because of a burning sensation near her kidneys and numbness in her feet. She was seen by the doctor, and he noted pain in her lumbar region, and that the burning increased when she titled forward. Because of these symptoms, he recommended that she go for a urine analysis and a renal and abdominal ultrasound. Mrs. Huaman had requested tests done in our laboratory and the ultrasounds were conducted elsewhere.
Test Results:
Urine culture and antibiogram: Culture: isolated E. coli, Colony: 110,000 cfu/ml
Abdominal ultrasound: gall stones (emergency operation)
Renal ultrasound: renal lithiasis
Diagnosis:
Mrs. Huaman was diagnosed with lower back pain, kidney stones, and a urinary tract infection.
Treatment:
Amikacina 500 mg, every 24 hours intravenously for 7 days
Norflex, every 12 hours for 5 days
Naproxeno 550 mg, every 12 hours for 5 days
Redex, 1 additional tablet when there is strong pain
The doctor transferred Mrs. Huaman immediately to the hospital for an evaluation and scheduled her for gallbladder surgery. The surgery was a success, and she is recovering well and will return to clinic for further needs. The patient is very grateful for the care that was provided to her.
More Reports on: Policlínico Peruano Americano Archive
Country Page: Peru
Initiative Page: Policlínico Peruano Americano
