The Mission
Medicos en Accion is a non-profit, charitable organization composed of individuals whose mandate is to provide medical and surgical care to people in developing countries. Our work is focused in Guatemala at the Obras Sociales del Hermano Pedro in the city of Antigua, and in the nearby communities of Panahachel, and Patzun. The organization started when nine nurses and doctors from Kamloops joined the group Poco a Poco. That pioneer group was started by Dr. Jill Sampson, from Qualicum Beach B.C. Their vision was to provide medical, dental, and surgical care to the people of Guatemala.
OUR BEGINNINGS
In 2001, Kamloops volunteers formed their own group, a charity known as Medicos En Accion. A Kamloops based organization we continue to draw volunteers from across Canada, USA and Internationally. Initially our base was the Hermano Pedro hospital in Antigua. Over the years we have expanded. In 2003 primary care clinics were initiated in villages near Panahachel, Lake Atitlan. The response of the villagers was positive, and the program continues. Also social projects such as the construction of a shelter for homeless people , provision of clothing, and distribution of school supplies were instituted. In 2006, a pilot surgical team was sent to Patzun. This proved to be feasible, and a larger team went to the facility in 2007 and 2008. As in 2008, we provide medical and surgical services to three areas: Antigua, Patzun and Panajachel. Panajachel provides primary care and the two cities of Patzun and Antigua provide ongoing medical and surgical treatment, including a hearing clinic.
