In the midst of long waiting lists in public hospitals and the difficult situation of many low-income patients in Chile, the UANDES Foundation has performed more than 1,350 free surgeries at Clínica Universidad de los Andes. Thanks to this initiative, patients like Elizabeth Mannette have been able to receive medical care at no cost and without having to wait years on the waiting list.
The UANDES Foundation was born in May 2019 with the aim of reducing waiting lists in public hospitals and offering a solution to low-income patients who need specialized medical care. Since its inception, the Foundation has performed more than 1,150 free surgeries in different specialties, such as traumatology, pediatrics, maternal-fetal, heart surgery, gynecology, neurosurgery, among others.
In addition to the UANDES Foundation, the initiative has had the support of the Careno Foundation and the income obtained from the Clinic’s parking lots. Thanks to this collaboration, in February 2023, 210 new surgeries were performed, thus adding a total of 1,360 free surgical care.
Jorge Lasogeneral director of the Clínica Universidad de los Andes, has highlighted the importance of providing medical care to as many people as possible, even those who cannot afford a private institution.
“Making this possible makes us very happy and challenges us to go for more”Laso pointed out.
Among the patients benefited by the UANDES Foundation, there is elizabeth mannettewho had been waiting six years for gallbladder stone surgery at the Salvador Hospital.
“This initiative seems very good to me because, otherwise, I would have spent more time on the hospital waiting list, which could have brought me more complications, which are much more dangerous. I am very happy that I have been given this chance”Mannette declared.
Patients who receive free medical care are referred by hospitals in Santiago and regions with which referral agreements have been signed, among which are the Sótero del Río, San Borja Arriarán, Rancagua Regional, Quillota Petorca Biprovincial, San José, El Carmen, Barros Luco and the San Bernardo Health Center, among others.
