Peru

Project Background

On August 15, 2007, Pisco, Peru 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 the people were in need of medical attention.  The Real Medicine Foundation team was deployed to Peru on October 12 in an effort to assist those in need.

Photo: RMF Founder/CEO, Dr. Martina Fuchs and the staff of the RMF Peru Clinic

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 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.

San Clemente is a very impoverished area and all of the services offered are free. The clinic places much importance on prevention and education and this is evident within all facets of the clinic’s operations.

The new location for the Policlínico Peruano Americano opened its doors on March 21, 2011 on Calle 10 de Septiembre Nº 101 in San Clemente. Operating Hours: 7am – 4 pm

Project Objectives

– Treatment of acute and chronic illnesses in the urgent care center “Policlínico Peruano Americano.”  San Clemente is a very impoverished area and all services are offered free of charge. Much attention is given towards prevention and health education within all facets of the clinic’s operations.

– To improve the comprehensive health of the community through outreach programs, educational programs, and public health initiatives.

Results and/or accomplishments achieved during this reporting period: 

• Presented RMF Peru NGO registration documents in Lima authorizing us to receive donations for 2 more years. Changed our categorization with the Ministry of Health from a Clinic to a Health Center as we are now offering Dental Services and Laboratory Services in addition to Primary Health Care. Ministry of Health has asked us for the work papers of all our employees to complete our recategorization as a Health Center.

• The new Laboratory testing service has been well received by the clinic’s patients.
• Another Pap Smear Campaign was conducted in April and May.
• We carried out Dental Campaigns on the 17th through the 19th of June.
• Revenues from the laboratory services were $2,020.  
• Celebrated Labor Day on the 1st of Mayo with a lunch in the office.
• We ended the month of June with a total of 16,437 patient files.

Number served/number of direct project beneficiaries: 

Total Number of Direct Beneficiaries: 3,073

 Policlínico Peruano Americano

• Patients Seen: 3,073
• Average per day:  51.21
• New Patients:  399

Demographics: 

• Male: 974
• Female: 2,099 
• <1 years:  258
• 1 – 5 years:  804
• 6 – 14 years:  227
• 15 – 24 years:  146
• 25 – 39 years:  152
• 20 – 59 years:  1,410
• 60+ years:  70

Campaign

• Pap Smear Campaigns: total 14 patients.
• Dental Campaigns held at clinic: 16 patients, 7 extractions and 6 fillings

Success Story: 

Montes De Palomino Eleanor, 75 years old, comes to our clinic for the treatment of her Diabetes. She is from the Province of Huancavelica region. She tells us that she lives only on the pension that she receives from the state and does some bag weaving for extra income. Our clinic provides her with regular blood sugar testing, ant diabetic and antihypertensive medication when she visits.

The Toledo Avela family came to the clinic to be evaluated for various health issues. Maite was brought to the clinic with symptoms of a respiratory tract infection, and her son Juan David for a weight evaluation.  Mrs Toledo Avela also complained of back pain and a urinary infection.  All received care and attention at our clinic.

Mrs. Ada Pomo brought her two children, Paulina, 1 year, and Juan Daniel, 12 years, to the clinic, telling us that they had three days of coughing and showing signs of malnourishment. Paulina was diagnosed with acute bronchitis and provided with injectable treatments and cough expectorants. Juan Daniel was diagnosed with acute pharyngeal tonsillitis and was treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

Aurelia Fernández Aguirre is 62 years old. She came to our clinic complaining of joint pain in her hands and legs and discomfort of the stomach. She was treated for gastritis and given dietary guidance to eat foods high in calcium.