July 2018: You Are Building Sustainable Healthcare in Ecuador
Serving long-term at a mission hospital takes a village of helpers.
This is what Dr. Albert Exner, a family practice physician currently serving in Ecuador, has learned over his years of service. There are family, friends, and supporters. A doctor serving at a mission clinic or hospital does not go alone. Donors like you make all the difference – YOU make Dr. Exner’s mission possible.
Imagine traveling hours by foot in rural conditions, often in heat or rain. You are heading to a doctor who can treat you, but you may need to make a much longer trip because you’ve arrived at a clinic.
That was the case for many years in the area where Albert is now serving. But thanks to donors like you and the dedication of the local Catholic Church, there have been changes to the facility that have expanded the care that can be provided here.
The Hospital del Dia Virgen de Guadalupe has now been designated as a Day Hospital. Dr. Exner is serving as Medical Director here in a very rural part of southern Ecuador. The patients, many indigenous farmers, may walk hours to be seen by a doctor. Some even arrive by horse.
Albert’s arrival here means that the change from rural clinic into a day hospital is properly staffed and more advanced procedures will be done. Because of this, the rural farmers in the area will have access to similar resources and care that others living in more urban parts of the country have. They will be able to get the quality care they deserve.
“As the Day Hospital grows, there are many obstacles that will need to be overcome, and I am con dent in not only his professionalism, but also his faith and kindness to make all the difference,” says Elise Frederick, Executive Director of Mission Doctors, who has just returned from Ecuador. “The donors of Mission Doctors have really made Dr. Exner’s service possible.”
“This will mean a huge leap forward in the level of care that these patients receive, a transformative opportunity for the community. It is important to note that this medical care wouldn’t be possible without donors like you.”
In this community, the most common issues are the many conditions that stem from a lifetime of physical labor as well as all the issues that come along with lack of access to health care and aging. Thanks to Albert’s presence and the expansion to a Day Hospital, patients will be able to seek medical care more easily.
Additionally, Dr. Exner’s presence makes it possible for teams of eye surgeons, dental groups, and other surgical teams to serve at Guadalupe. This will mean a huge leap forward in the level of care that these patients receive, a transformative opportunity for the community.
It is important to note that this medical care wouldn’t be possible without donors like you. Your donations to Mission Doctors Association fund the lifesaving work of Dr. Exner and other Mission Doctors serving around the world. Thank you!