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Current Mission
A Home for Healing: Casa del Campesino Expansion
Extending Our Mission Beyond the Operating Room
At Surgical Volunteers International, our work does not begin and end in the operating room—it extends into the lives, homes, and futures of the patients we serve. One of the most meaningful expressions of this commitment is our investment in the expansion of Casa del Campesino in Penonomé, Panama.
Originally envisioned as more than just a shelter, Casa del Campesino has become a vital sanctuary for patients and families traveling from remote and indigenous regions—many of whom journey hours, or even days, to access surgical care. Through SVI’s support, this facility has been expanded to function as a regional “home away from home,” providing safe, dignified lodging for patients before and after surgery.
This initiative reflects one of the largest and most impactful side projects in our organization’s history. It is a tangible demonstration of our belief that access to care is not only about surgical expertise, but also about removing the barriers that prevent patients from receiving it.
By investing in infrastructure that supports continuity of care, recovery, and family presence, we are reinforcing our long-term commitment to Panama and our trusted local partners, including the Lions Club of Penonomé. This expansion ensures that our missions are not isolated events, but part of a sustainable and evolving healthcare presence within the communities we serve.
At its core, the Casa del Campesino project embodies SVI’s guiding principles:
- Compassion without borders
- Sustainable global partnerships
- Dignity in patient care
- Long-term impact over short-term intervention
As we continue to grow, initiatives like this remind us—and our supporters—that true service means building systems of care that endure long after the mission team has returned home.
Introducing a life-changing partnership! Surgical Volunteers International, in collaboration with the Prescribing Life Foundation, the Sunrise 4 Hope Foundation, the Regional Medical Director and esteemed medical team of Colce Panama, is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of patients battling Stage 5 end stage renal disease. Through this remarkable initiative, we are proud to announce our generous donation of vital dialysis supplies aimed at aiding individuals with limited resources in accessing crucial treatment at Hospital Aquilino Tejeira in Penonome.
Our team continues to assist the community in Guaviare, Colombia. We have partnered with the organizations: “Let them Smile Again”, “Prescribing Life” and the office of the Governor of Guaviare, Heydeer Palacio. This current campaign is focused on supporting the indigenous, orphans and less privileged youth. Through generous donations from sponsors we were able to provide much needed educational tools, tablet devices, tutoring, occupational therapy and bicycles allowing students to travel to school.
Extending Support in Penonome
Surgical Volunteers International continues its commitment to enriching communities by recently donating essential medical equipment to Hospital Aquilino Tejeira in Penonome, Panama. Following a successful surgical mission at the hospital, our organization extended support by gifting phototherapy lamps for newborns with congenital jaundice, ensuring they receive optimal care. Additionally, recognizing the importance of comfortable patient recovery, we provided a substantial donation of hospital bed mattresses to replace worn equipment in both adult and pediatric wards. This contribution not only enhances the quality of healthcare at the hospital but also underscores our dedication to serving and empowering the local community. Surgical Volunteers International remains steadfast in its mission to make a meaningful impact on global healthcare accessibility and looks forward to continuing partnerships that drive positive change.
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