Mexico: Community Health

HealthRight International began partnering with the Hospital San Carlos (HSC) in Altamirano, Chiapas following the Zapatista uprising in 1994.  At the time, already inadequate health services were worsened by conflict and the flight of many of the region’s health workers.  Thirteen thousand people from indigenous communities in the region were left with little to no access to care.  Over the years, HealthRight has developed a close partnership with the Hospital San Carlos to provide physician volunteers and to build the capacity of local staff and community members to provide care and services. 
 
Due to continued inadequacies in the health system and distrust of the government by many indigenous communities, HSC – an independent missionary hospital – remains the primary source of medical care for thousands.

Filling gaps in medical care
Since the uprising, staffing of HSC by Mexican nationals has never recovered.  To help maintain and improve the capacity of the hospital, HealthRight sends physician volunteers to the region several times per year.  These volunteers provide essential pediatric and general health care for thousands of patients. 

Building local capacity
In addition to providing direct medical care, HealthRight physician volunteers also train local doctors, nurses, medical students, and other health workers serving HSC to provide up-to-date pediatric, obstetric, and prenatal care.  By expanding the skills and capacity of local people, HealthRight is helping to build a long term, locally owned solution to the region’s persistent health challenges.
 

* HealthRight International was known as Doctors of the World-USA from 1990 to 2009.