Hope Clinic and Outreaches

The Big Picture

Millions of Mindanao’s poor do not have access to basic medical services.  As a result, countless families suffer unnecessarily from easily treatable diseases and poor hygienic and nutritional practices.  This problem is intensified by the ailing Philippine economy, the great disparity in incomes, and the unequal distribution of healthcare resources and infrastructure, as well as the geographical, socio-political and cultural isolation of various people groups.  In spite of national and international initiatives to improve access to medical services, the health status has actually worsened in the marginalized sector -- especially in the provinces of Mindanao, and particularly in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

Our main goals are to improve access to healthcare, improve community health awareness and disease prevention, share nutritional information, offer immunizations, and increase the general health for the impoverished people of Mindanao.

^{As these children sort through a landfill for materials they can sell to recyclers, they run a very high risk of Tuberculosis, not to mention infection from cuts on their bare feet}

Central & Mobile Clinic

Urban Poor Health Program – Catering to the marginalized poor in the city, Hope Clinic is temporarily operating in our Agdao location until such time as we can secure a permanent facility.  In collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare, and the Women and Children’s Sector of Ahon Bayan (a network of 54 non-government agencies), we are developing teaching modules and providing the identified clientele (e.g. orphanages, abused women, street children, beggars, and the elderly) with medical resources.  We will educate this clientele on personal and community health issues and provide preventive and promotive health services at a very low cost or compensation for goods and/or services.  These health services include basic immunizations and acute primary care services.  The proposed future clinic will be easily accessible to those from local urban poor communities as well as to those coming from out of town.

The Hope Clinic and Training Center will be a drop-in clinic with in-patient and out-patient facilities catering to:

• Pre-natal and post natal care and baby deliveries
• Tuberculosis testing and treatment.
• Treatment of secondarily infected wounds.
• Treatment of patients with scabies, worms, amoebas, giardia, impetigo, ulcers and any other primary health care issues.
• Health care teaching and nutritional counseling.
• Support for families at risk.
• Many other relevant health issues pertaining to the area's medical needs.

Rural and Indigenous People Health Program – This is a mobile clinic headed by an experienced physician who travels to remote communities in collaboration with local government units and community leaders.   The mobile team provides medical examinations, vitamins, anti-helmintics, minor surgeries, acute medical care and medications/supplies for the treatment of acute illnesses.   In addition, health education and risk reduction is provided.  Local people are also encouraged to train in becoming healthcare providers.

^{Lydia administering shots in a remote tribal village that may have little other medical access} 

Get Involved

There are a few ways to become more involved with Hope Clinic:
1)  Come on your own or bring a team of nurses and doctors.
2)  Support the operational costs of the clinic. Go to Get Involved to learn more about giving, our sponsorship program, one time gifts, and how you can make a difference.  Email patrick@hopeforthenationsph.org to find out more.
3)  Sponsor an indigenous medical worker for US$100 per month for 8 months. 
4)  Tell your friends about Hope Clinic.  Share with local service clubs, small groups, churches, or co-workers.
5)  Send medical equipment and/or medicine to supply Hope Clinic.

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