OAS

The results presented above clearly indicate that the private organization can stimulate new projects and opportunities of growth. The public counterpart can support private initiatives and thus promote authentic development. However, some of the projects cited above indicate that sectarian interests often interfere, or actually prevail, over the authentic development of the community. It is therefore necessary that proper information on the significance and the management of each project be presented and discussed with the population, the Central Government and the independent observers.

 

Municipal Clinics

A detailed report on the activity and the results of the Municipal Clinics included in Document 5, was published on the web and sent to the Ministry of Health. No answer from them as yet been received. The experience gained during almost ten years of operation definitively reveals that the cooperation between a municipality and a private foundation is a viable approach to provide adequate medical care in rural Guatemala. Moreover, it does not require the cancellation of the current free health care law. However, efforts by the population, the Health Ministry and the University are essential to assure the successful performance of the clinics and prevent political or economical exploitation by the Municipalities.