While we were seeing some of the Inca sights with our friends the Reids who came to visit us last week, the hospital had an unexpected, but pleasant visit from the president of Peru.  The day before we watched as a helicopter made a test landing at the hospital, and I wondered if he might be coming.  The last time a helicopter landed at our hospital it was a test run for a presidential visit to Curahuasi that never occurred.  This time as we were driving out of town to begin sightseeing, we saw many police.  We asked what was going on, and they told us the president was coming.  How fun it would have been if it was one day earlier so we could experience it, and even more if our friends could have shared it with us.  See the post below from the Hospital Diospi Suyana website.  As an aside, one interesting thing about his visit is that he ran through the hospital.  He literally jogged very quickly the whole time while Klaus gave him a running tour in 10 minutes.  I also heard he drove his own armored vehicle while in Curahuasi.  Interesting president.  I was talking to a patient today who told me he is definitely more along the Hugo Chavez line of presidency in regards to his thoughts about the American government, so I think it is a good thing that the face of our hospital is German.

Peruvian President Visits Diospi Suyana

On the left, the Peruvian President Ollanta Humala. In the center is Elias Segovia, the president of the state of Apurimac. To the right, mission doctors John, pleased about the visit. On the far right, the administrative head of the hospital, Stefan Seiler.

The big surprise

Yesterday around noon, President Ollanta Humala’s helicopter landed at our mission hospital.  In the bright sunshine, the president waved to the crowd that had gathered on the hospital grounds.  After being greeted by a delegation of the hospital, he explained to the mission doctors John that he had read an article about Diospi Suyana in a magazine.

President Ollanta Humala attended  a conference with the mayors of the state and his cabinet in Curahuasi’s town hall.  Late in the afternoon he had just enough time for a short tour of the hospital.  He was joined by the Minister of Health, Sra. Midori de Habich.  After the tour, the Head of State and Dr. John ran together towards the helicopter.

At about 7 pm that evening, the President called the mayor of Curahuasi and told him Diospi Suyana was the best hospital in the southern part of the country.  He said he was totally thrilled by what he had seen.

In the morning, many employees had prayed for God’s blessing. Up until 5 pm it was still uncertain whether the President would be able to visit the hospital before his return flight.  However, the big dream became reality and in the evening, some of the missionaries gathered with their Peruvian colleagues to give thanks to God.

Diospi Suyana is fighting at many fronts these days,  especially with regard to issues concerning imports and licensing. The meeting with the Peruvian President and the Minister of Health was a gift from God at just the right time.

Diospi Suyana would like to thank Lisa Isaak, Sarah Nafziger, Ryan Morigeau, Simon Giesbrecht and Christian Bigalke for the many photos taken and videos made.

Five seconds before landing

The President (with red poncho) leaving the helicopter. What a good thing that Udo Klemenz built this landing place.

The President greets our hospital’s civil engineer, Udo Klemenz.

The Head of State with the hospital in the background.

Run through of the emergency room.

In an interview with the President (left) and the Minister of Health (right).

Rapid run through the various wards.

Surrounded by staff and children of the hospital.

Dr. John commented to the President, “You are the better athlete of the two of us!” The setting was relaxed and friendly.