Overview
Location Information
Location & Community
Patchakan is a village about 1600 people in Corozal District, located in the northern part of Belize, near the Mexican border. It is known for its diverse population, rich history, and beautiful coastal environment. The district includes communities such as Corozal Town, Orange Walk, and several rural villages.
People Served
Many residents work in agriculture, fishing, tourism, business, and other cottage industries. Sugarcane farming is especially important to the district’s economy. Corozal is also home to people from different cultural backgrounds, including Mestizo, Maya, Creole, and other communities. Residents enjoy local traditions, festivals, music, and food that reflect Belize’s multicultural identity. The district offers a peaceful community atmosphere while continuing to develop.
People living in Patchakan and the surrounding villages face several health challenges including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and other chronic illnesses. Some communities also experience respiratory infections, mosquito-borne diseases, and gastrointestinal illnesses. Access to healthcare can be difficult for people living in rural areas because of transportation challenges and limited medical services. Some residents may delay seeking treatment because of cost, distance, or lack of awareness. Mental health problems, including stress and anxiety, are also important concerns.
Become more familiar with culture, history, economy, and health conditions of Belize by reviewing these resources:
- Wikipedia Profile for Belize: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belize
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation Profile for Belize: https://www.healthdata.org/research-analysis/health-by-location/profiles/belize
- World Health Organization’s Humanitarian Data Exchange for Belize: https://data.humdata.org/group/blz
Languages
Belize is a multilingual country where English is the official language. Spanish is widely spoken, especially in northern and western areas. All Presbyterian Medical Clinic staff are bilingual and available to serve as in interpreters. About 20% of patients are non-English speakers. Belizean Creole, also called Kriol, is commonly used in everyday communication. Several Maya languages are spoken by Indigenous communities. German is also used within some immigrant communities.
Healthcare Facilities
The Presbyterian Medical Clinic (PMC) is a Christian primary-care clinic operated as a ministry of the Presbyterian Church of Belize. It is supported in part by Mission to the World (MTW), the mission agency of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Weekdays begin with all staff and visitors participating is devotions and prayer in the clinic dining room. Since opening in 1992, PMC has served people of all religions, ethnic groups, and nationalities.
PMC provides primary care for patients from newborns to older adults. Many patients coming for care have chronic conditions, particularly diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, arthritis, and fatty liver disease. The clinic extensively utilizes protocols for treating common conditions, protocols that rely upon locally available medications. The clinic also provides prenatal and postnatal care, diabetic eye examinations, and dental services through visiting dentists. It participates in Belize’s National Health Insurance program, which has helped improve sustainability and access to care. Higher-level medical services remain limited by distance and cost, requiring referrals to nearby hospitals or facilities in Mexico and larger Belizean cities.
Higher-level medical care is limited for most of patients because of distance and economics. A small, sparsely equipped government hospital is in Corozal (8 miles away). A better equipped hospital is in Orange Walk (25 miles away) with surgical and obstetrics suites. Advanced diagnostics, like ultrasound and CT, are available at considerable expense in Corozal, in Chetumal, Mexico (20 miles), in Orange Walk (25 miles), and Belize City (80 miles).
Healthcare Profession Staff
The clinic has 11 staff members and receives assistance from visiting physicians, dentists, and health profession learners. Full-time staff include:
- 2 general practice physicians from Belize
- 1 registered nurse
- 1 nurse/midwife
- 1 pharmacist
- 1 chaplain
Facility Support
INMED invites all participants to consider raising extra funds to financially support this facility. While such efforts are not required, they provide opportunity for INMED learners to become involved in this important aspect of international healthcare.
Communication
PMC clinic is equipped with internet. Visitors may use clinic or personal computer or smartphone to communicate with friends and family with administration permission. WhatsApp works very well in Belize for international communication. The clinic smartphone is available for emergency phone calls.
Travel and Logistics
Visa Matters
For current information please visit the Belize embassy website appropriate for one’s home nationality. United States citizens can obtain current visa information from the website of the Belize Embassy in Washington, DC.
Most visitors can obtain a visa on arrival by first submit submitting a customs/tourist visa form at https://immigration.gov.bz. This visa is valid for 30 days, so most visitors plan to be in country for 28 days. A similar departure form is available online and must be completed before leaving Belize.
Traveler's Health & Safety
Travelers should consult with a personal physician before embarking. All routine vaccinations must be up to date. Refer to the CDC travel website for the most up-to-date health information.
Travelers are advised to refer to the United States State Department website for the most up-to-date general travel information, and to regularly view current travel advisories.
Crime is rare in Patchakan village. Visitors are encouraged to be very careful about what water they drink and food they eat to assure it is not contaminated.
Learners Experience
PMC since inception has been a destination for health profession learners in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and at times both physical therapy and dentistry. Health professional learners will receive an orientation that includes the schedule, care protocols, facility personnel, health information system, and overall expectations. Learners typically begin in an observer role and as their familiarity grows, they expand their participation in all aspects of care.
Transportation
PMC will pick up learners at the airport in Belize City. The airport is small and easy to navigate; the customs officers are cordial. Travel to the clinic is two hours by car and the roads are rough.
Lodging & Meals
PMC has three guest bedrooms, running water, electricity, shower facilities, and a kitchen. Some guest rooms have air-conditioning and all have fans. The clinic has a close washing machine. Visitors are provided with food/groceries to prepare meals on their own. They can also purchase food stuffs at a local store. Visitors can also hire a local cook for a nominal fee.
Behavior & Dress
Clothing is important in the Belizean culture; thus, sensitivity and conservative dress is expected. Since the climate is warm and humid year-round, short sleeves are usually most comfortable. A light sweater or windbreaker may be needed at night if you are visiting in the winter months. Dress should be modest for both men and women. Complete details will be provided.
Clinic attire for women: surgical scrubs or a skirt/slacks and short sleeve blouse is. For men: scrubs or slacks with a short sleeve collared shirt are acceptable. Lab coats are not necessary and too warm for the climate.
Recreation
Weekends are usually free for journeys. Two popular destinations are the Mayan ruins at Lamanai, and the town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye/Island. The Lamanai tour involves a boat ride up a jungle river. San Pedro is famous for scuba and snorkeling around a beautiful coral reef. Visitors are also invited to participate in local churches on Sunday mornings.
Explore more Belize highlights at https://www.lonelyplanet.com/
What to Pack
Learners should bring copies of all healthcare profession licenses, diplomas, or certifications. A carry-on bag should be packed that contains essentials items just in case one’s luggage becomes lost. Include an ample supply of any prescription medications. Bring clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather.