After six months of comparing prices and doing
research, Pop Wuj recently purchased equipment for a brand new dental clinic
catering ot the low income population that the association serves. During the
week of June 26th Pop Wuj inaugurated the dental clinic by filling
cavities of its first patients. Before the dental clinic Pop Wuj worked with a
dentist though he was only able to pull teeth due to a lack of space and
equipment. With the inauguration of the new clinic the dentist will attend two
days a week instead of one and will able to fill cavities, do cleanings, and
extractions. It will also help improve
dental hygiene in the population through preventative education and providing
floss, toothpaste, and toothbrushes to patients. The low costs of the services in the dental
clinic (extractions will cost 10Q, cleaning 50Q, and fillings 60Q) ensure
better access to dental care for those who could otherwise not afford it.
Access to healthcare is one of the most pressing issues in Guatemala, as it has the highest childhood stunting rate in the hemisphere and the Guatemalan highlands rank near the bottom of nearly all basic healthcare markers. With 60% of Guatemalans living in poverty, many are not able to afford or access healthcare. Illnesses put families into years of debt especially if the main income earner of the household becomes sick.Our medical program began in 2002 and serves rural communities where such access to healthcare is nonexistent. During these rural mobile clinics we also host health workshops offering such education as how to purify water and how to give adequate nourishment to their children.
Along with serving rural communities multiple times a week, the Pop Wuj Clinic also operates for the urban poor. Staffed by a local doctor and nurse, the clinic has developed an incredible reputation in the city and a line forms well before its doors open. The clinic is free to those who cannot pay, and for those who can, all income is invested back into the school's various projects.We attract healthcare/medical students and professionals to our school in order to learn Spanish, which allows the rural communities we serve to have access to superb care.
There are many costs to running the clinic. The medications, transportation to rural areas, rent, and support for chronically ill patients make up its budget. Given its success, this unique model serves as one that will be mimicked throughout the developing world.For more information on the Pop Wuj Medical Clinic, please visit www.pop-wuj.org.
