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A Journey into the Depths

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April 2, 20263 min read

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On that day, I joined the team from the Intrepid Foundation in Colombia, venturing into remote rural areas. Alongside the flying team from Patrulla Aerea Civil Colombiana (PAC), doctors brought mobile hospitals to underserved communities.

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A Journey into the Depths


On that day, I joined the team from the Intrepid Foundation in Colombia, venturing into remote rural areas. Alongside the flying team from Patrulla Aerea Civil Colombiana (PAC), doctors brought mobile hospitals to underserved communities.


In a makeshift hospital, a young woman named Jenny Shirley Gonzalez Patino donned a blue hospital gown, sitting on the examination table. She was preparing for a sterilization procedure to prevent unwanted pregnancies. "This is amazing; I won't have to take pills every day anymore," Jenny shared, a smile lighting up her face.

Mobile Hospitals in Remote Places

At the medical center in Orocue, nestled along the Meta River, I witnessed the operations of the mobile hospital. Each day, PAC doctors performed various surgeries, including sterilizations, vasectomies, and tumor removals, depending on the needs of the community.

One weekend during my trip, PAC volunteers transformed this location into a fully functioning hospital. Long lines of parents and their children eagerly awaited consultations with pediatricians, gynecologists, and dermatologists.

Overcoming Geographic Challenges

Colombia faces a daunting challenge as its mountainous terrain and remote locations complicate access to healthcare services. According to Hernan Acevedo, the head of the PAC project, "More than half of Colombia's population cannot access hospitals." Hernan has been flying with PAC for nearly 20 years and vividly recalls a landing in Puerto Alvira amid intense armed conflict.

"At that time, gunfire echoed everywhere; it was terrifying. It was the first time I felt so close to war," Hernan recounted about that experience.

✈️ Tìm chuyến bay giá tốt

Đặt vé ngay với giá ưu đãi từ các hãng hàng không

A Day in the Life of a PAC Pilot

With Hernan, we flew from Bogotá in a small plane, crossing mountain ranges to reach the plains of Los Llanos. From above, I could see lush green fields, winding rivers, and vast open savannas.

Orocue is beautiful but challenging, with the nearest hospital more than six hours away. Each year, during the rainy season, this journey can stretch to nine hours. Many trucks carrying supplies often get stuck in the mud.

Heartwarming Stories

As I chatted with local residents, their joy at PAC's arrival was palpable. A man in his sixties named German Ricardo Torres said, "I have waited six years to see a specialist, so when PAC arrived, everyone was filled with hope."

Marta Castro, a mother of three, eagerly shared, "I waited six months for a breast ultrasound, but there’s no equipment here." Not to mention, the cost of traveling to a hospital is prohibitively high given her salary.

A Long Journey Marking Time

I was truly impressed by PAC's meticulous preparations. Before the medical team arrived, a convoy of supplies and medical equipment set up everything in advance. Enrique Martin Poveda, a radiologist, oversaw the entire process, constantly moving between the clinic and the hospital.

Enrique recounted many emergency cases, including once saving a two-year-old boy who had gone into cardiac arrest. Thanks to their timely intervention, the boy was saved.

Memorable Moments for the People

As time passed, I observed that not only the locals but also the PAC doctors and pilots had a deep understanding of their country. Obstetrician German Arango, who has worked with PAC for 25 years, shared that they often encounter challenging cases due to the traditional customs of the indigenous people.

The moments when PAC doctors assist the local population are not just about saving lives; they also bring hope for the future. They are the superheroes of the skies, undeterred by difficulties as they bring life to those who need support the most.

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#Colombia#PAC#bệnh viện di động#y tế#tình nguyện#Interpid Foundation
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