Three generations, one mission: Improving healthcare in Guatemala
A hospital built on compassion. A community in need. A life-saving program to bring specialized healthcare to Guatemala.
During the atrocities of the Guatemalan Civil War, which lasted 36 years and displaced hundreds of thousands of Maya people, Don Salomón and Doña Mery Hernández opened their small home to those in desperate need. At times, they took in more than 90 people at once, providing food, clothing, and medical care. Don Salomón, who had training equivalent to an EMT, would hike four hours into the mountains to care for those who couldn’t reach him. He dreamed of establishing a medical clinic near his home, creating a refuge where people of any socioeconomic level could receive compassionate care. What began as an act of kindness evolved into Westmont Bethel Hospital, now led by his daughter and granddaughter, who continue his legacy of service.
Guatemala’s history has deeply shaped its healthcare landscape. The effects of the civil war left lasting scars, disproportionately affecting indigenous communities, which represent nearly half of the population. While significant progress has been made, over half of Guatemalans still live in poverty, and with just 1.28 physicians per 1,000 people, the healthcare system remains strained. Hospitals like Westmont Bethel continue to serve as lifelines for those in need.
Leadership from Westmont Bethel Hospital tour the Technical Innovation Center in Santa Barbara, CA
Today, with World Telehealth Initiative (WTI) by their side, the hospital is bringing specialized care to more patients in need. WTI’s close partnership and personal relationship with the hospital has laid the foundation for an impactful program that will strengthen the local health system. Our global network of medical specialists share their expertise through bedside telehealth consults, hands-on training, lectures, and mentorship to build local capacity. The program aims to bridge gaps in care with support in vital specialties from maternal and child healthcare, chronic disease management, cancer prevention, and more.
WTI’s telehealth device arrived at the hospital earlier this year, and the program launched with the first session in February. A Podiatry Foot and Ankle Surgeon in South Carolina led a lecture focused on advanced wound care for diabetic foot infections. With over 25% of Guatemala’s indigenous population affected by diabetes or pre-diabetes, diabetic wounds are a growing concern. Agriculture is the backbone of Guatemala’s economy, meaning many families rely on their mobility for their livelihoods. Without treatment, diabetic foot wounds often lead to amputation—a limb is amputated every 30 seconds around the world due to diabetes, but 85% of these amputations are preventable. Doctors in Guatemala expanded their knowledge and skills to manage wounds, prevent infections, and avoid amputations, ensuring better long-term outcomes for patients.
Photo from Westmont Bethel Hospital
WTI’s program is equipping local doctors with expertise that will improve patients’ quality of life for years to come. With each session, the future of healthcare in Guatemala grows stronger. Stay tuned as the program grows in the coming months!