Free Medical and Dental Care Event

March 28, 2009

Program for a Better Peru is committed to expanding access to health care for needy Peruvians. Medical problems including infectious diseases and chronic illnesses abound in this populations. In addition, dental health concerns are common among residents of poor villages near Arequipa. Whenever we offer health care in these areas, many people request to see a dentist. Children often present with problems such as dental caries at a young age. Proper oral hygiene is often impossible due to lack of toothpaste and toothbrushes.

Recently we teamed with two physicians, a dentist, and several nurses from Arequipa to offer care to these individuals. Program for a Better Peru donated dental supplies including amalgams for fillings, fluoride gel for prophylaxis, local anesthesia, and needles. We also provided free medications such as analgesics and antibiotics to the medical patients. In return, these professionals generously agreed to treat underprivileged patients from the outskirts of Arequipa free of charge.

Our event took place near the Altiplano market in Arequipa. Although this market is frequented by people from all walks of life, the majority of customers are working-class. We set up our event on the periphery of the market and invited all comers to enjoy free medical and dental consultations. During one morning of work we were able to provide care to 106 patients.