Guatemala Mission Medical Program Report for Year 2023

Dr. José Miguel Vasquez, director of the health program in the Guatemala Mission, recently sent a report detailing the 2023 activities and finances for the four medical clinics which are located in Novillero, Nahualá, New Ixtahuacán and Old Ixtahuacán. A total of 3147 patients were treated for general medical consultations, Tdap (tetanus and diphtheria) vaccinations for pregnant women, and home visits. In addition to regular medical consultations, 659 patients were referred to the two laboratories (in Nahualá and Novillero) with 2063 laboratory tests performed. 

Last year fewer patients were treated for several reasons beyond the control of the medical clinic staff. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Clinic (the clinic in Nahualá) was closed from July through December due to an unexpected need to relocate. All clinics were closed occasionally after the national election in August and for the entire month of October due to protests in response to the government’s attempts to overturn the presidential election results. Roads were blocked and consequently the clinics were unable to operate. Additionally, the confrontations between Nahualá and New Ixtahuacán continued intermittently, again making it difficult to access the clinics. 

Thankfully, the new clinic in Nahualá began taking patients in late December and the new president of Guatemala was installed in January. Hopefully and prayerfully, patients can continue to be treated in all four clinics on a regular basis. 

Patients benefitted from the new laboratory opened in February in the Novillero clinic. Formal opening included blessing each room by the local priest with Dr. Jose Miguel, nurses from the four clinics, and others present for the celebration.  

Dr. José Miguel provided a detailed financial report for the medical program with a balanced budget. Program revenue included gifts from many donors in the Spokane diocese, continued support from the Sisters of Charity of New York and past funds donated through Family to Family for the medical program. In addition, patients at the clinics pay for services and medicines when possible. 

Donations from the Spokane diocese included funds from St. Mary Church (Spokane Valley), St. Joseph Church (Colbert), St. Patrick Church (Pasco), Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, St. Mary Church (Chewelah), Holy Ghost Church (Valley), and Sacred Heart (Springdale), and many individuals. Donations are sent directly to the medical clinics through the Guatemala Commission of Spokane. 

Our medical clinics provide much needed patient care in a prayerful and compassionate manner. Patient clinics begin with prayer and lessons on a variety of health and wellness topics including nutrition, parenting, cleanliness, and general health for all members of the family. 

Dr. José Miguel extends his gratitude and thankfulness to all, “On behalf of everyone (patients and workers), thank you and blessings!”  

Pictured: Patients listening to Dr. Jose Miguel in New Ixtahuacán; Dr. José Miguel examining a patient; Lab Technician Neftalí Pablo in new lab in Novillero.