NDI Clinic

Through volunteer licensed naturopathic physicians, NDI runs integrative health clinics around the world using a model that incorporates short and long term health programs and community enhancement projects. In Ometepe, Nicaragua, our pilot site has run a successful integrative health clinic since 2004. We have attended more than 13,000 patients, donated more than $200,000 US worth of supplies and medicines and carried out numerous successful community projects.

Located in Central America, Nicaragua is a country of 5.5 million people.  Nicaragua is also the second poorest country in the Western hemisphere. The remoteness of Ometepe, an island of two volcanos, limits access to healthcare to many of its people.  Nicaragua is an example of the growing global economic disparity that exists, with the average Nicaraguan making 2$ per day.

The NDI clinic is located within the Moyogalpa Center of Health– the only 24-hour health clinic or “hospital” on the island. In 2010 NDI also opened a stand alone clinic for NDI doctors. Our team treats patients of all ages including newborns, children, pregnant women, adults and elderly for general health consults or emergencies. Our doctors work collaboratively with MD’s and nurses in the hospital, providing care for up to 30 patients per day. Volunteers gain a more intimate experience with the people they are serving by living within the community. 

In addition to our clinical services, NDI manages a variety of health and community projects on the island. Our volunteer physicians participate in all aspects of the NDI wholisitc approach to global health, working in the clinic, the field, and teaching 10-day health courses “Natural Medicine in Global Health” that are run throughout the year and are open to anyone interested.

                                                        
Naturopathic Physician Long Term Volunteers

NDI places licensed naturopathic physicians in high-need areas to serve 1-year rotations providing free medical care – but these doctors often go beyond their duty of simply bringing medicine to people. NDI doctors are the heart of all the NDI medical and community programs. You can Sponsor a Doctor for very little money which helps provide many patients with continuous health care. Our doctors dedicate their hearts and time to the patients and programs of NDI.

 
Helping Hands

This dynamic program has two arms – a medical assistance and emergency transportation. The assistance arm of Helping Hands provides medicines, funding for diagnostic testing, and medical supplies to the Moyogalpa Center of Health and its patients. Helping Hands stocks an NDI pharmacy with common vitamins and medicines that are not available in the hospital from the generous donations of USA corporations and purchases from local Nicaraguan businesses. Purchasing products from local pharmacies directly supports the Nicaraguan economy. Our emergency transportation program assists elderly patients and families with transportation to and from the hospital, as well as emergency medical transportation (an un-official ambulance).

Sponsor a Patient

Occasionally, a patient seeks out NDI for more long-term support and assistance than the one-time donation of medication usually provided thru Helping Hands. Rosa is an 11-year old patient whose monthly medications cost $150.00 USD, an amount simply unaffordable for her family. Now sponsored by a youth group of martial-arts students from the Wayne Owen Fighting Arts (WOFA) in Grants Pass, Oregon, the Sponsor a Patient program can provide Rosa and many others like her with monthly medications, funding for specialized exams, and appointments with specialists.  Thanks to all the great kids at WOFA for their huge hearts and generosity!