After 19 years of serving the community, the Children of the Nations medical clinic in the Dominican Republic is now certified by the Dominican government. 

This new certification will enable the clinic to serve a greater number of people, accept patient insurance, and expand clinic services. The certification also opens the clinic’s ability to use their lab for blood tests which were being previously referred to another hospital. This will make it easier and more affordable for patients to receive care. 

Since 2016, the clinic has completed 1,454 surgeries and averages over 2,000 patient visits each year. The clinic offers walk-in medical services, open Monday to Friday offering a family doctor, dentist, pediatrician, and OBGYN services. With the new certification allowing extended services to insured patients, the clinic will be able to generate revenue and become financially self-sustainable in the future, making it possible to treat more families who have no access to medical care. 

“[The certification] helps us have our own identity, to act under the mechanisms of the law, and it also helps our consultation or surgical procedures to have that endorsement from the state,” said Dr. Martina, the clinic director. 

“We would really like to extend this thankfulness to God, the health authorities of our country, our sponsors, and to everyone who has contributed so that we can continue to expand and offer our poorest and most vulnerable children and the people with the least resources a health center with the quality of the Children of the Nation's Medical Center,” she added.  

 

Clinic Director Dr. Martina (left) with Clinic Administrator Daniela (right) displaying the certification proudly.

 

The Dominican staff have worked hard to get the clinic certified and achieve greater sustainability so they can serve as many people in the community as possible. Dr. Martina and her staff are committed to caring for their patients well. With this certification, more lives will be transformed through quality medical care.

 

 

“The certification of the clinic provides another level of opportunity for both churches and medical professionals who have a heart to impact children and students experiencing health issues,” said Eric Nachtrieb, the Senior National Advocate at Children of the Nations. 

The work of certifying the clinic has been in progress for three years and was only possible through the dedication of the Dominican staff. Generous donors and advocates of the clinic from Sioux Falls also played a pivotal role in the support of the clinic. Children of the Nations is joining local staff and leaders in the Dominican Republic in celebration for this accomplishment and step forward for the clinic’s future and ability to care for the community’s needs.  

Get an inside look at the clinic with a video that COTN-DR created!