San Antonio Clinic Open!

In our efforts to assist our partner organization in its mission to improve healthcare in rural and resource-poor areas of Bolivia, MELA sponsored the construction of a new health clinic in San Antonio, Bolivia.

San Antonio is a poor indigenous rural community with 1545 inhabitants located in the municipality of Aiquile (Cochabamba –Bolivia). It now has its own health facility, meaning the community no longer has to walk 20 km (12.4 miles) to the Villa Granado community clinic.

The government can now assign permanent health personnel or establish preventive health and vaccination, and pregnant women can receive prenatal check-ups and no longer have to give birth at home, with complications risking newborn deaths.

As per signed agreements, Mano a Mano Bolivia built a 240 Sqm (2583 sq ft) Health Center in 5 months with the community, municipality, and Mano a Mano Bolivia staff. The clinic has rooms designed for delivery, observation, and dental care, a small kitchen, and staff bathrooms separate from patients' bathrooms. There are also offices for the doctor and nurse and a pharmacy/records room.

Mano a Mano Bolivia organized the opening ceremony, which included representatives from MELA, regional healthcare officials, and community leaders. During the program, children in traditional garb performed traditional dances for the attendees. Speeches at the ceremony highlighted the clinic's significance to the community and the hope for a healthy and prosperous future. Our donors have played a major role in helping this community realize their dreams for better and convenient healthcare.