On March 10, 2008, the clinic in La Chureca was re-inaugurated! It was a very special event as it celebrated MPI’s relationship with the clinic and marked the beginning of many exciting new developments. In attendance at the ceremony were Dr. Doty (Austin Samaritans), Bill Beltz (NICE), Pamela (FUNJOFUDESS President), representatives from MINSA, the entire clinic staff, many of the moms from the community, and of course, Manna Project. The inauguration celebration was complete with the unveiling of the new clinic sign, a ribbon cutting ceremony, short speeches of thanksgiving, and of course some Nicaraguan folklore dancing.
As we have shared before, Dr. Doty and his newly founded and fast growing nonprofit Austin Samaritans, are the new primary donors for the clinic for 2008. Along with the NICE Foundation and Manna Project, we have not only been able to meet the clinic’s annual budget, but provide $6,000 above their budget, giving them the resources to grow and expand. And that is what they have already begun to do. During January and February construction was underway, and now the clinic sports new white tiled floors, false ceilings, new paint, and new wall divisions which create additional rooms. The classroom behind the clinic was also repainted and tiled, and bars were put in the ceiling to hang drapes from to easily create private rooms for when medical brigades visit.
Even more exciting than the improved facilities is the promise of improved and varied medical services. A dental chair has finally been delivered to the clinic and a dentist is lined up to start weekly visits. Also, a schedule for a gynecologist is being arranged, and looking to the future we may also contract a pediatrician.
And even more exciting than the facilities and the services, is the vision that Dr. Doty has to establish a network of medical facilities throughout Nicaragua. Here in Managua the base for this network is the clinic we all know, El Samaritano (Dr. Doty is also on the Board of this foundation). With the day-surgery center complete, and with plans to eventually build a full hospital, the idea is that El Samaritano can act as the base for a growing number of satellite clinics, one of which will be the La Chureca clinic. The smaller clinics, like Casa Base, can use the resources and support of the main clinic—sharing medical doctors, medicines, and especially referring patients to El Samaritano when the smaller clinic cannot address the needs. This network would also facilitate the proper and efficient distribution of donated meds and supplies, as well as a more effective use of medical brigades (since the visiting docs would be working inside an existing network which could provide the necessary guidance for doctors and follow-up for patients).
All of this is really exciting for La Chureca, though of course, it will still take time to develop this network and get all the procedures and personnel in place.
As I write this I also want to share that the trash workers of La Chureca have been on strike for the past 3 weeks. They are demanding that “quality trash” be delivered to the dump, as many dump truck drivers have started to sort and recycle trash on their own terms, leaving little of value for the workers in the dump when the trash arrives. With this situation at hand, as well as the planning of the Spanish government to create a new dump, there are many aspects of the future that are unclear. Manna Project and the clinic’s focus is to continue addressing the health needs of the community so that they will have the healthcare (and confidence and support) they need now and in the future in order to face whatever life changes may come.
Pictures
To view more pictures of the clinic renovations, as well as other events from February and
March 2008, go to:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Marcela.M.Camargo/ClinicReInaguration
Happenings
• Raquel is pregnant with their fourth child.
• El Farito got a facelift by one of the August’s teams.
• We now have 11 students with scholarships to Covanic.
• Preschool now runs 5 days a week. (3 year olds on Monday and Friday, 4 year olds on Tues-Thurs)
• Alan (from English) has moved to Costa Rica.
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