The Gorgas Canadian Patient Care Fund was created to support vulnerable patients receiving care at the Tropical Medicine Institute Alexander von Humboldt and the Department of Infectious and Tropical Medicine at Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru. The fund is jointly managed by the Institute and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with support from donations from Basic Health International Foundation.
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Dr William Hanlon, Director of Basic Health International Foundation, gives a contribution to the Gorgas Canadian Patient Care Fund. With him in the picture are Dr. Eduardo Gotuzzo, Director of the Alexander von Humboldt Tropical Medicine Institute; Mrs. Ana Graña, Chief of Nurses, Hospital Cayetano Heredia; and Dr. Carlos Seas, Chief Physician, Department of Infectious and Tropical Medicine, Hospital Cayetano Heredia.
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Dr. William Hanlon is decorated by Dr. Manuel Rodríguez, Dean of the Alberto Hurtado School of Medicine at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, for his invaluable contribution to the Gorgas Canadian Patient Care Fund, which has changed the lives of hundreds of Peruvians. Also in the picture are Dr. Jose Caballero, Vice Dean of the School of Medicine, and Dr. Carlos Seas.
Why the Fund Is Needed
Although Peru’s public health insurance system covers most of the population, many patients still face significant gaps in care. Insurance coverage is often incomplete and does not fully cover specialized diagnostic tests, certain medications, advanced imaging, hospital fees, or non-medical costs such as transportation and temporary housing. These gaps particularly affect patients with complex infectious and tropical diseases and those referred from outside Lima.
Who We Serve
The Fund supports patients of all ages who receive care through the Infectious and Tropical Diseases outpatient clinics or inpatient services. Assistance is provided based on individual need and may include support for:
• Diagnostic tests not covered by insurance
• Medications and treatments
• Outpatient and hospitalization costs
• Transportation to and from the hospital
• Temporary stay in Lima for patients traveling from other regions
How the Fund Works
Requests for support are initiated by the treating physician and reviewed by a small committee that includes the Institute Director, the Chief of Nurses, and the Chief of the Hospitalization Service. Decisions are made promptly to ensure timely access to care. Once approved, funds are coordinated through the Institute’s administration.
Impact
Since its establishment in 2008, the Gorgas Canadian Patient Care Fund has played a vital role in improving patient outcomes. The Fund has supported the diagnosis and treatment of patients with tuberculosis, severe parasitic infections, invasive fungal diseases, non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections, HTLV-1–associated conditions, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and other rare or neglected tropical diseases.
Our Commitment
The Gorgas Canadian Patient Care Fund helps ensure that financial barriers do not prevent patients from receiving essential, life-saving care. By filling critical gaps in the health system, the Fund strengthens clinical services, supports medical education, and advances equitable access to high-quality care for some of Peru’s most vulnerable populations.