Almost all patients that are treated at the Diospi Suyana Hospital are poor. Last year, only 1/3 of our expenses were covered by patients actually paying for their bills. 2/3 of the hospital expenses have to be covered by donations.
Every day, we wonder which one of our patients is in true need of charity. Some shy Quechua Indians are barely able to ask for help. Other patients are quite well off and are trying to take advantage of the hospital program.
Nohemi Quispe tries to find a fair solution for everybody. When talking to patients, she never knows what their reaction will be. Often times, patients start to cry when they find out what their treatment will cost. Others hug Nohemi, thankful for receiving treatment at minimum -to-no cost.
But sometimes, Srta. Quispe needs to be tough; especially when patients don’t stick to the agreement and try to sneak off before being officially discharged and presented with their bill. Noehmi Quispe’s job is not an easy one, that’s for sure.
