Tour Leader: Amy Wiza
Tour Dates: April 01 - April 08, 2006
Compassion for others is common in those who work in health care, but there are those who take that trait to a level above and beyond their daily employment obligations. Thirteen Wisconsinites demonstrated this as they participated in a unique travel opportunity in April. The group, which shared a common interest in international
community development, humanitarian assistance, and health care, set out to discover what medical care really consists of for people who live in a developing country and how they can become involved locally by responding to current health issues with their professional skills.
Not only did the participants return with a much greater appreciation for the comprehensive health care system that exists in the United States, but they got more than they bargained for as no one expected the medical strike, which began November 14, to still be going on. The
Medicos Pro Salario union initiated a strike to protest the salaries for workers employed in the medical profession; the average doctor's salary is $144 per month and a health worker's $50 per month while a taxi driver or office worker often earns double or triple that amount.
With a full blown medical strike in progress, the Wisconsin group further experienced the harsh reality of life in this beautiful yet developing country, one that has been tarnished by multiple natural disasters, a civil war, political upheaval, and now the denial of medical care. It became apparent that health care providers who service the public sector in Nicaragua must be given the utmost respect as they persevere with passion despite what would be considered patient overload and working with a severe shortage of equipment and supplies. The downtime that the Nicaraguan medical staff was experiencing due to the strike allowed time for the two cultures to exchange ideas, discuss current health issues, and visit hospitals, clinics, women's health centers, and other health-related facilities.
Despite the enormous human suffering that has occurred as a result of the medical strike, a recent poll reports that the population is in support of a salary increase for workers in the medical field as it helps to bring attention to the numerous inequalities and injustices that exist within the country. While the private hospitals remain open, the estimated seventy to eighty percent of the population that lives in poverty is forced
to rely on the public hospitals which are treating patients on an emergency-only basis. As the strike moves into its seventh month, public emergency rooms are now starting to close and doctors are beginning a hunger strike as they reach a point of desperation.
W/NP has stood by our counterparts in Nicaragua for the past four decades by developing citizen-to-citizen, non-political activities that address current issues. While humanitarian assistance is a component, W/NP plays a unique role by maintaining a primary focus on the delivery of education and skills. Many physicians, dentists, and other medical personnel have exemplified the giving nature of Wisconsinites by volunteering their time and resources. While some traveled to Nicaragua, others supported the W/NP medical initiatives. As a result, the Health Care Travel Tour set the groundwork for future health projects; a water purification project will begin this month and UW - Milwaukee students will be assisting Nicaraguan physicians later this summer. The participants that traveled to Nicaragua in April included Drs. Bradford & Joanne Martin, Debra Tidquist, Charlotte Gamroth, Dr. Jay & Leslie Rusek, Natasha Rusek, Dr. James Butler, Cathryn Eckberg, John Trimberger, Amy Wiza, Jessica Gillis, and Sherin Bowen.
Often, the Nicaraguans apologize for not being able to offer more, but those of us who volunteer realize that we receive much more than we give. As Dr. Randal Wojciehoski has said, "When I teach students about medicine, I emphasize the importance of being able to diversify one's career. I challenge them to continue to enrich themselves through personal growth while providing excellent medical care. They must be active leaders in their community, providing personal and financial support to programs that will allow others to grow and realize their dreams."
