Tzu Chi’s Medical Mission for the Flood victims in Honduras

In 2011 when Choluteca of Honduras fell victim to a devastating flood, volunteers of Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation in Honduras began the assistance to bring relief to the area. In June, while Tzu Chi volunteers were in Honduras for the ribbon cutting ceremony of the recently completed Da Ai village in Choluteca, we also took the opportunity to hold a free clinic to safeguard the local residents' health. In total, six doctors provided clinical services, while 23 medical students helped with translations.

In Honduras' Choluteca, many of the residents and flood victims ignore their health for financial reasons. Normally when they go to the hospital, it would only be to the emergency room. So they are happy to have this free clinic. Medical staffs are also glad to join the mission to provide medical service. Tania Miranda, one of Dentists, said: "This is my first time working with Tzu Chi and help my country. Because the medicine and dental medicine is very expensive in Honduras and not many people have the money to pay."

Besides the six doctors at the clinic, there are 23 young medical students assisting as translators and doing other volunteer work. William Keh, US Tzu Chi Medical Mission director, said: "The medical students are enjoying themselves, while the patients receive top quality care."

Moria Aurora Aguilera, one of patients, shared that: "I am very thankful for everyone's assistance, especially the guest from Tzu Chi Foundation. I no longer feel alone." After the mission, all patients and medical staffs sang the Spanish version of Tzu Chi's "We are Family", and the hearts of volunteers and these local residents are linked as one.