HealthCare for the Internally Displaced Population of Montes de Maria

Despite efforts by the GOC to establish medical facilities, a lack of doctors has hindered their functionality. In response, USAID CIMIENTOS collaborated with Accion Social and the Colombian Navy to reestablish five medical facilities in the region. These facilities, located in Las Palmas, San Jacinto, Don Gabriel in Ovejas, San Antonio in San Onofre, and Macayepo and El Salado in Carmen de Bolivar, were equipped and made operational. To ensure the long-term sustainability of these facilities, CIMIENTOS agreed to pay the salaries of the doctors and staff for the first eight months, with the condition that these costs would be incorporated into the municipal budget the following year. The Mayor's agreement facilitated the inauguration of these medical centers on June 3rd and 4th. The first shift of medical services, which took place on June 4th in Las Palmas, rural zone of San Jacinto, and covered the rural area of Bajo Grande, provided consultations, medicine, and vaccinations to 40 patients. The services included vaccinations for H1N1, rubella, and measles. This initiative aims to promote an environment where inhabitants can resettle back into their territories, thereby improving public services and strengthening confidence in local authorities among the internally displaced population. The provision of medical attention in these areas has been met with gratitude from the local community. William Sierra Pérez, a community leader from Bajo Grande Township, expressed appreciation for the hard work of CIMIENTOS, USAID, and Acción Social in providing healthcare services to the region. The establishment of these medical facilities has addressed a critical need in the Montes de Maria Region, where the lack of immediate medical attention had previously posed a significant challenge. The CIMIENTOS Program has made significant strides in addressing the healthcare needs of the internally displaced population in the Montes de Maria Region. With doctors now providing services to five medical facilities in the rural areas, the program has taken a crucial step towards improving the health and well-being of the local community.