Frequently Asked Questions
Casa Colibrí Clinic
Geographically, how big is the service area?
The municipality of Barillas is 1,112 square kilometers or 429 square miles. It is approximately 30 miles (45 km) from Barillas to Nuevo Edén. It takes three hours in first gear to drive that distance because the roads are very rough. You need a 4-wheel drive, high-clearance truck to get there. People come from all over the municipality to receive midwife training and village health promoter training. The clinic serves people from approximately 40 villages surrounding Nuevo Edén and is open to all.
How far do residents have to travel to the clinic?
People travel on foot to reach the clinic because there is very little transportation available. Virtually nobody owns a car or truck. We have had people travel as many as 18 hours to reach our doorstep. Typically, people walk between one and three hours to get to the clinic. The area is very mountainous, so even though it is not a great distance, the people must walk up and down the rocky hillsides. Sometimes they walk without shoes on the stony paths.
What illnesses or medical conditions are typically seen at the clinic?
Patients come to the clinic seeking treatment for pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, diarrheal illness, urinary tract infections, skin conditions like eczema, rashes, scabies, and lice, vision problems, headaches, gastroenteritis, joint pain, wounds, and other common complaints. Intestinal parasites are endemic. Tooth pain and dental infection are widespread because there are no dentists in the area. People still die from infection secondary to tooth abscess or suffer for months or even years with a bladder infection.
Do people pay for services at the clinic?
Our services are provided at no charge. We welcome anyone in need.