Quito, February 14, 2023
Laughter therapies developed by the clowns of the Hunter “Patch Adams” team were not lacking this February 14, at the Luz Elena Arismendi Pediatric Gynecological Obstetric Hospital of Nueva Aurora (HGONA). The activity was led by the Vice President of the Republic, Alfredo Borrero, accompanied by local health authorities.
The HGONA hospital manager, Roberto Beletanga, welcomed the group. “This hospital with a heart houses 288 beds, we have 6,600 births a year. Thank you for this day of humor therapy for our patients, with it, we provide comfort and relief.
María Guanoquiza, 33, received care during the delivery of her second daughter and was one of the beneficiaries of the visit. With red noses, the hospital “clowns” toured the nursing home generating happiness in the patients.
Hunter “Patch Adams” dressed as a clown addressed the patients. “I have been a family doctor for 51 years without charging anything to any of my patients. One of the main causes for which people in the United States lose their homes is to pay hospital bills; i love people. The first interviews with my patients last between 3 and 4 hours”.
The American doctor founded the Gesundheit Institute in 1971. From there he promotes a different, universal and free health model in which market rules do not predominate. “I am convinced that there is a powerful connection between the environment and well-being, and that the health of individuals cannot be separated from the family, communities and the planet.”
The vice president also thanked the “Patch Adams” team for their presence. “You represent the good part of life, because life is not only suffering, but it is happiness. We want to spread all of his happiness”.
Patch and his group of clowns have visited Ecuador on several occasions, the last in 2019. It is the first time they have returned since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and they plan to visit the Baca Ortiz Pediatric Hospital, Eugenio Espejo Specialty Hospital, and Specialized Julio Endara, to the Migrant Assistance, Guidance and Reference Center (AMOR Center) of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and, to the San Camilo Hospice, all located in Quito.
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