Monte Lirio Clinic
Increasing Access to Quality Healthcare and Equipment for All
For nearly 30 years, the McCormack Foundation began distributing free prosthetics and medical equipment in Panama, helping vulnerable communities receive the healthcare they need. People from near and far traveled to the McCormack Clinic situated in David in need of disability aid, guidance, or support. DTCare is committed to continuing the McCormack Foundation’s legacy with fervor and compassion in Monte Lirio.
DTCare formally took over operations in early 2021 and relocated the clinic to Monte Lirio to make our prosthetics and medical support services more accessible to marginalized communities living in remote, rural areas that are far from essential healthcare services. DTCare’s humanitarian and relief efforts are focused in Panama, Lebanon, and Ukraine, as we work to help vulnerable groups through medical supply distribution and primary healthcare services.
Paving the Way to Prosthetic Care
DTCare Panama's In-Country Manager, Daniel, and Clinic Manager, Guadalupe, are taking night classes in Natural Sciences as a prerequisite to specialize in prosthetics. With the relocation of the DTCare community clinic from David to Monte Lirio, we paused our local prosthetics program. Daniel and Guadalupe's studies are a step towards re-launching the program in Monte Lirio. The ability to aid the local community with prosthetic services is essential for the well-being of many local amputees; a specialized team is vital to provide the best care to those who visit our clinic.
The average cost of a wheelchair in Panama is $120 (B/. 120). An artificial limb can cost more than a house.
A quarter of Panamanians live in poverty, where poverty and extreme poverty rates are the highest in rural, often indigenous, regions. An estimated 5% of the Panamanian population lives on less than $3.20 a day.
DTCare’s clinic makes prosthetics and mobility equipment available to the rural Monte Lirio community free-of-charge.
Sharing Our Stories
Care for a Bedridden Child
A small, special-needs girl spent most days bedridden and indoors. Her immobility prevented her from playing outside and socializing with other kids. She suffered physically from bed sores and body aches due to being confined to a bed for extended periods of time. DTCare identified the urgent need to alleviate her discomfort and suffering. Once we provided the girl’s family with a pillow designed to help with blood circulation and additional neck and upper-body support and a stroller enabling her to spend more time outdoors, we sponsored a series of physical therapy sessions that would help regulate pain and discomfort.
DTCare and The Floating Doctors Work Together to Improve Medical Access in Panama
DTCare is proud to work alongside impactful groups in Panama, including The Floating Doctors, a volunteer-led organization of doctors dedicated to improving health and medical access in hard-to-reach communities. DTCare has been supplying medical aid to The Floating Doctors for over a year, and we are committed to strengthening our partnership by receiving training in foundational veterinary care. During our last visit to The Floating Doctors in Las Bocas de Toro, DTCare had the opportunity to join The Floating Doctors on an aid run, delivering essential humanitarian supplies to the communities they serve.
Individual Aid Distribution
Not only is the DTCare Community Clinic offer in-person services at the clinic, but our team also offers home visits and deliveries for the distribution of essential medical supplies. DTCare is providing mobility aids such as wheelchairs, crutches, canes, and walkers to the community so that those in need can have access to the mobility aids they desperately need, making it easier for individuals with limited mobility to get to healthcare providers and receive necessary medical care access. In addition, our team distributes medical first aid and humanitarian relief supplies such as bandages, gauze, diapers, feminine products, clothing, children’s supplies, and hygiene items. Many times, our Panama team meets families and individuals who cannot leave their houses due to mobility or medical issues. Our priority is to meet the people we have where they are so we can help get them where they would want to be.
Supporting Local Clinics and Health Programs
Supporting local organizations has become an integral component of DTCare’s operations in Panama. DTCare’s established partnerships in Panama enable us to expand our aid provision and healthcare support services to the greater Monte Lirio community. We understand the importance of respecting and preserving local culture and traditions and valuing the resources and guidance that local partners provide. We take pride in working with and supporting local clinics, hospitals, and health programs because, by working with local organizations, our impact has increased and is sustainable. DTCare extended its medical equipment distribution program to supply to local public hospitals like the General Clinic and the José Domingo de Obaldia Maternal and Child Hospital and residential nonprofits like the Floating Doctors.
Since early 2022, DTCare has partnered with the General Clinic and Dr. Zapata in Monte Lirio, Panama, to provide essential medical supplies and equipment for the local community. DTCare donated various medical supplies to the clinic, including a bulk supply of bandages, gauze, antibacterial wipes, masks, gloves, and syringes, all made possible by the contributions of DTCare's partners and supporters. The supplies support the General Clinic's mission to provide vital healthcare services to its patients and further serve the Monte Lirio community. The clinic is a vital healthcare resource for the community, and with DTCare's help, the clinic will be able to continue providing quality medical care for the residents of Monte Lirio.
In addition, we have been privileged to work with the José Domingo de Obaldia Maternal and Child Hospital in David to deliver two van loads of essential medical and baby supplies for new and expecting mothers. The hospital specializes in providing comprehensive maternal healthcare of the highest standard to help its patients, and DTCare is proud to aid in its mission. With the continued support from our donors, we are able to provide support and much-needed supplies to local medical facilities in Monte Lirio that have a big impact on the communities we work in.
Essential Aid and Support for Vulnerable and At-Risk Communities
Enabling and equipping our local partners to assist and aid disadvantaged groups and communities is something we are passionate about, and our experience shows it to be essential in helping underserved communities learn how to stand on their own again. In addition, our patients receive necessary health care and specialized support no matter where they go for help. Together, we are improving lives and instilling hope.
