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A Gozitan priest who has been living in Guatemala for the past 13 years yesterday appealed for more help so that a recently inaugurated hospital would “expand and realise its full potential of meeting the real and pressing needs of the area”.
Fr Joseph Camilleri said the new hospital was inaugurated on June 9 in Jalpatagua, some 105 kilometres south of Guatemala City.
“It was a great day and Guatemalan President Oscar Berger and the President of El Salvador, Antonio Saca, inaugurated the new hospital, which will provide a vital service for some 250,000 poor people who die from curable diseases.
“Many children in remote areas die before the age of five due to pneumonia, malnutrition and meningitis. The new St John the Baptist Hospital will accommodate 75 hospital beds and four surgery theatres.
“The Maltese people contributed generously to make this project possible. Various groups from Malta and Gozo donated their time and expertise to achieve this much needed health centre. Special thanks go to architect Joseph Grech who donated the initial design, to the Mission Fund of Mosta and to the many fundraisers from Mosta and Birkirkara as well as RTK Radio,” Fr Camilleri said.
Very few patients can afford to pay for their treatment or even for transport to get to hospital, he explained.
“Funds are needed to provide medical care and to run the ambulances, which have already been donated. On top of that, we need help for the day-to-day running costs, for electricity, water, supplies, salaries and wages and for the development and maintenance of the various services and clinics provided,” he said.
Fr Camilleri said that apart from financial and material help, they were also after “manpower and time”.
“Volunteers have already played a key role in realising our goal of a local hospital. Many more are needed. If you have appropriate professional or technical skills and can give some of your time, you would be very welcome, especially if you speak some Spanish,” he said.
He also asked for prayers and support.
Any donation for the upkeep of the hospital can be sent to: Fr Joseph Camilleri, 28, St. Zachary Street, Xewkija. As Fr Camilleri is currently in Malta, he can also be reached on 2155 1327.
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