The health program offered by Kolping is based in the city of El Alto, although the organization itself has a presence throughout Bolivia. This program is made up of two clinics which provide general health services, surgery, dentistry, pediatric care, gynecology, physiotherapy, orthopedics, rheumatology and a pharmacy. These services are offered at approximately the same cost as public clinics; however each specialty offers discounts of up to 30% following a socioeconomic survey of the users.
Among the specialized programs offered by the organization is “A Doctor in Your Neighborhood,” which incorporates the use of mobile doctors’ offices (ambulances which transport doctors and counselors) which visit peripheral neighborhoods of the city as well as rural areas. This service provides low-cost or free (in some circumstances) medical attention. “A Doctor in Your Neighborhood” also includes campaigns to provide a variety of information regarding an array of health-related topics including diabetes, preventative health topics, eye care, and consultations. The costs as related to this program are covered by income received at the medical clinics.
Kolping organizes and provides training workshops on: nutrition, children’s and adolescent’s health rights, cancer prevention, sexual health in young people, sexually transmitted diseases, and domestic violence. These workshops are carried out in the health clinics, in neighborhoods, and in other areas where they are requested.
The organization also forms part of the “free health insurance” program offered by the Health Insurance system of the Private Banks, which is directed towards families living in extreme poverty and which covers children and youth from 0-19 years of age. Selection for participation in this program is based on an in-depth socioeconomic study of the at-risk families living in the city (who are often laborers, washing-women, or hold other unstable positions). The program currently covers consultations, medications, examinations (both in-office and lab work), and surgeries for up to 361 children/youth. The program includes monthly participation by parents of the children insured in workshops which provide training and information regarding preventative healthcare.
In addition to the above Kolping also provides services for a variety of insurance programs of private organizations including the Colegio de Arquitectos, Exportadores Bolivianos, and Zurich Bolivia, and maintains relationships with partner organizations as in the case of CRECER (a microfinance institution).
Finally, Kolping supports several groups composed of at-risk individuals, including Alcoholics Anonymous, the homeless, and shelters, through church partnerships. Other partners include the municipality and private organizations.
Yearly evaluations are conducted by the government in order to certify the quality of Kolping’s health services. In the last evaluation they received a score of 93 out of 100, placing them among the highest rated in the city.
