Health Care

Improving the standard of health care in the Ecuadorian Amazon has always been an important goal of the Yachana Foundation.  As a result, in 1997, the Foundation and the community organization Amanecer Campesino built the Mondaña Medical Clinic. At the time, it was the only full-time, fully-staffed medical facility in the remote Upper Napo River region of the Ecuadorian Amazon. In 2005, the Foundation passed the clinic over to the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health in order to provide long-term sustainability of the project and better access to health care for approximately 8,000 residents in the surrounding area. The clinic is only accessible by walking or canoe. In addition to providing 24-hour attention on site, the clinic's medical personnel travel to a number of remote communities on a regular basis.

Due to the success of the clinic and the obvious need in the area, the Ministry of Health began construction of a small maternity hospital in Mondaña in late 2009.  The hospital is close to the clinic built on land donated by the Foundation and is scheduled to open in late 2010.

The Mondaña Medical Clinic and hospital are located just one half kilometer from Yachana Lodge.  It is comforting to know that full-time, professional medical assistance is available to Yachana visitors at any time.

Clinical Rotation Program for Medical & Nursing Students

The Foundation, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, offers an interesting clinical rotation opportunity for medical and nursing students from throughout the world who can spend from two to six weeks at the clinic to experience the challenges of healthcare delivery in such a remote area.  Students must be in at least their third year of medical or nursing school.  

To find our more about the program, download the Clinical Rotation Form below or to request more information, send an email to volunteer@yachana.org.ec.  

      Mondaña Medical Clinic