Promoting Quality Health Care
Dr. Novillo's Story
Dr. Edmundo Novillo, the Mayor of Totora, Bolivia, is pleased that Catholic Relief Services Bolivia will operate the Quality Health Care Promotion project in his municipality.
A local councilwoman (left) and community leader (right) at a Gender Planning Workshop in Totora, Department of Cochabamba, Bolivia.
"Thanks to the CRS sponsored workshop on Improving the Quality of Health Services with a Gender Perspective, we have identified specific tasks and institutional responsibilities that we will address to improve health services in our municipalities," he says.
How Do We Do This Project and What Are Our Accomplishments to Date?
This project in Totora, Bolivia aims to improve the quality of health care using gender-specific training. CRS staff work directly with local health care providers to improve services to those who seek medical attention at local health clinics.
An orientation room has been set up at the local hospital where staff provide training in:
- Reproductive health
- Preventing family violence
- Interpersonal relations
A recreational area for children has also been installed making Totora the site of one of the few hospitals in Bolivia with a children's playground.
Background of the Project
Initially, the gender project was made possible by a grant from the Bolivian Integrated Health Coordinating Program (PROCOSI). Subsequently, other local partners including the Totora Parish, the Municipality of Totora, other local authorities, and healthcare providers in the area contributed to the project. This project has improved the health of the men, women and children of Totora.
