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:

• Lizbeth Segovia, Tc Nursing, returned to the RMF Perú team in January.
• On the 18th and 19th, the RMF Perú team carried out a medical mission in the AAHH Nazario Palomino, which is located south of San Clemente. We attended 142 patients of all ages.
• On February 22nd and 23rd, a medical campaign was also carried out in the sector of Miraflores. Ms. Plomino graciously offered her house for the operation, which is located in front of the medical post of San Clemente. We attended 318 patients.
• The neighborhood committee of El Pedregal in Pisco was contacted because they are the owners of a space that has 12 rooms where the private hospital could operate.
• Total Number of Direct Beneficiaries: 1,561 Patients

Merlya

4 Years Old

The small 4-year-old Merlya was brought in to the clinic for a consultation by her mother, who recounted that 5 days ago the little girl presented with a strong itching all over her body, which resulted in the girl scratching wounds on herself, in addition to blisters and fever. The patient was diagnosed with varicella virus (chicken pox).

Treatment:

• Chlorpheniramine 2 mg/5 ml, 7.5 ml every 8 hours
• Repriman 400 mg/1 ml, 15 drops conditional on the fever

Alicia Perez Melgar

55 Years Old

Mrs. Alicia Perez Melgar, a 55-year-old woman with H.CL:4074, attended the private hospital for medical attention. Eventually she had a consultation with the doctor, during which she described a burning sensation in her feet and pain while urinating. Diagnostic labs and an ultrasound were done. The patient returned with the results, at which time she was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, dyslipidemia, and fatty liver.

Treatment:

• Ceftriaxone 1 gr and dexamethasone 4 mg every 24 hours for 3 days I.V
• Ciprofloxacin 500 mg every 12 hours for 5 days
• Atorvastatin 20 mg every 24 hours for 1 month

Abel Gomez

Infection

Abel Gomez arrived at the private hospital with his mother, who recounted that the child had an upset stomach, which had been causing a lack of appetite and ill feeling. He also presented with a cough and a temperature of 102 Fahrenheit. After the doctor’s examination, the patient was diagnosed with a bacteria infection of the intestine.

Treatment:

• Amikacin 320 mg and metamizol 1 bottle/I.M STAF
• The following day, continue with amikacin 320 mg I.M every 24 hours for 4 days
• Enterogermina every 8 hours for 3 days

Mrs. Olga Diaz

72 Years Old

Patient Olga Diaz is a 72-year-old woman who attended the private hospital to request a urine and glucose exam. Without a medicine prescription, after getting her results, Olga requested a medical consult. The doctor asked her why she brought the exam results with her, and she recounted that she already knew her symptoms of a headache, discomfort, burning in the genitals, and pain below the stomach. The patient was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and diabetes mellitus.

Treatment:

• Sodium chloride 9%, 2 bottles
• Dimenhydrinate 50 mg/4 ml and ranitidine 50 mg/2 ml and ceftriaxone 1.5 gr (intravenously)
• Azithromycin 500 mg every 12 hours for 5 days