Size and/or structure
We started in Zacapa in 2006 in a donated space of no more than 10 square meters. Since then we have been able to occupy a larger space for our workshop, the construction of a clinic for patient care and recently, the construction of a mobility park, which is a space dedicated to physiotherapy work and gait training with prosthesis. In addition, today we have borrowed space in the capital of Guatemala for patient care during visits of the mobile clinic.
Key Offerings
At the beginning, we only offered prostheses to the amputee population. Since 2006 we have been able to increase the range of services we offer, which today includes gait training, physiotherapy, psychological therapies, support to develop a profession or trade within the CBR (Community Based Rehabilitation) program and more variety in prosthetic technology for the population including running feet as well as computerized knees.
Location
We are located within the grounds of the Regional Hospital of Zacapa through a cooperation agreement that we have enjoyed since 2006. However, we now offer coverage with the CBR (Community Based Rehabilitation) program in the departments of Guatemala, Sacatepequez, Chimaltenango, and Escuintla, we also offer mobile clinic services within the capital and surrounding departments.
Financing Model
Within the first year of care we deliver prosthetic services at no cost to the public. We changed the model to include a co-payment made by each patient, which is key to the economic sustainability of the operation. We have diversified our sources of income, which now come from national and international institutions, companies, development funds and individuals. In addition, we offer a pediatric patient sponsorship program to the public in Guatemala so that the sponsor can cover the value of the co-payment of the children treated at the clinic.
How you collaborate or work with others
We have been formalizing our operations and today we enjoy written agreements between physical therapy universities in Guatemala and prosthetic universities in the U.S. for the continuing education of their students and our staff.