Medical Clinic

Medical Clinic

Access to healthcare is one of the most pressing issues in Guatemala, as it has the highest childhood stunting rate in the hemisphere and the Guatemalan highlands rank near the bottom of nearly all basic healthcare markers.  With 60% of Guatemalans living in poverty, many are not able to afford or access healthcare.  Serious illnesses can put families into years of debt, and also prevents individuals from being able to contribute to the family economically.

Our medical program began in 2002 and serves rural communities through the use of mobile clinics, where access to such healthcare services is nonexistent.

Along with serving rural communities, the Pop Wuj Clinic also operates for the urban poor. Staffed by local doctors and a nurse, the clinic has developed an incredible reputation in the city - a line forms well before its doors open.

The clinic is free to all of the participants of Pop Wuj’s community projects and to those who cannot afford to pay. Any income from the clinic is invested back into the school's various projects.

Students and professionals from the Pop Wuj Medical Spanish Program take an active role our urban and mobile clinics, whether this involves triage, working at the pharmacy, shadowing a doctor, or providing care.


There are many costs to running the clinic. The medications, transportation to rural areas, rent, salaries, and support for chronically ill patients make up a large portion of the budget.  Given its success, the clinic may serve as a model to be implemented in other areas of Guatemala and internationally.  Profits from the Pop Wuj Medical Spanish Program and fund our clinic.

For more information on the Pop Wuj Medical Clinic and Medical Spanish Program, please visit www.pop-wuj.org.