While many nations have heeded the call, Chile still needs international help to rebuild and restock hospitals. Unfortunately, getting help to disaster victims is not easy, as DOTmed News has reported about other natural disasters globally.

There are some daunting challenges in organizing relief, shipping and logistics, and getting medical equipment and parts where needed, considering infrastructure damage.

The U.S. and other nations are providing medical support in Santiago where Felix Bulnes Hospital has closed due to severe damage. WHO reports that a field hospital donated by the government of Brazil was sent to the western part of the capital to fill the gap in health services left by the closure of Felix Bulnes. The Associated Press reports that U.S. military field hospital personnel will work with the Chilean government to provide services in Angol. Cuba, Spain and other South American nations have also sent medical personnel.
Chile's unique geography has spared some areas, and several DOTmed users wrote and reported minimal disruption. At the same time we know that many hospitals remain in need.

Jose Vallejos Vasquez, a biomedical engineer in Santiago specializing in x-ray and ultrasound equipment writes, "Public hospitals basically need hospital diagnostic equipment, multiparameter monitors, respirators, mobile x-ray, [and] ultrasound mobile. This equipment doesn't necessarily have to be donated; it can be returned when our government replaces the equipment of hospitals that we serve (Hualane, Curico, Licanten, Talca, San Javier, Linares, Chanco, Constitucion, Chillan, El Carmen, Curanilahue, Canete, Contulmo), some of them completely destroyed. At the moment I am moving to these locations to assess and support the restoration work of the equipment of hospitals mentioned above.... In general, any help is welcome. If you wish, cash donations can be channeled directly to each hospital.... I appeal to all colleagues of DOTmed, to assist us in these difficult times."

Cash remains the best way to donate. Please make sure you are donating to a reputable facility or organization.

How You Can Help

The major phone carriers have donated text services and there are several organizations responding to the disaster in Chile with mobile-giving efforts. Some trusted examples, according to the Mobile Giving Foundation include the following:

Text the word "CHILE" to 20222 to donate $10
On behalf of World Vision

Text the word "CHILE" to 52000 to donate $10
On behalf of the Salvation Army

Text the word "SAVE" to 20222 to donate $10
On behalf of Save the Children Federation, Inc.

Text the word "CHILE" to 85944 to donate $10
On behalf of International Medical Corp.

Read the World Health Organization's guidelines on emergency response and keeping hospitals safe:
http://new.paho.org/disasters/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1133&Itemid=1036

If you are a DOTmed user or relief organization in Chile with any informational updates or photos, please send us an appraisal of the situation on the ground in your area by clicking the "Send us your Comments" link below.

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