Media Home
UN Web TV
UN Audiovisual Library
UN PhotoIOM / PERU VENEZUELAN DOCTORS
Download
There is no media available to download.
Share
STORY: IOM / PERU VENEZUELAN DOCTORS
TRT: 03:05
SOURCE: IOM
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGES: SPANISH / NATS
DATELINE: RECENT, LIMA, PERU
1. Various shots, Venezuelan surgeon Yoalexis Tovar, writing prescription, wearing surgical mask, emergency unit
2. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Yoalexis Tovar, Venezuelan Surgeon:
"I arrived in Peru in 2018, I have been here for 6 years, I thank IOM for allowing me to work at the Jose Casimiro Ulloa Hospital, in the emergency service. I provide all my knowledge to serve the Peruvian people, to give my best."
3. Various shots, drip device, Tovar examining peruvian patient, giving prescription, smiling, doctor Someter
4. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Juan Miguel Someter, Venezuelan Doctor:
“This program is positive since it allows us to break myths regarding the work system. It helps you return to the hospital reality, the treatments. It updates you since previously I had not worked as a doctor for 4 years and having this opportunity to be here, having direct contact with patients is very positive.”
5. Med shot, Someter examining patient
6. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Juan Miguel Someter, Venezuelan Doctor:
“Being a migrant is carrying a suitcase full of hope and situations, that although they are heavy, you have to carry them, and you have to try to give the best to those around you."
7. Various shots, electrocardiogram screen, doctors shaking hands
8. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Alberto Gonzalez Guzman, Director, Jose Casimiro Ulloa Emergency Hospital:
“If we already know that we have migrants in the country and we have the option of integrating them into the system that is also in great need of professionals who have the greatest competence, it is a win-win, we all win.
9. Wide shot, Tovar walking with patient
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the integration of Venezuelan health workers has proven beneficial to Peru's health care system, filling gaps and improving the quality of services available across the country.
In the bustling emergency unit of Lima's Jose Casimiro Ulloa Hospital, Venezuelan surgeon Yoalexis Tovar examines a young woman experiencing food poisoning.
The 40-year-old doctor brings his expertise to the forefront of patient care by being part of a one-month training programme supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in agreement with Peru’s Health Ministry and the Hospital.
"I bring the best of myself to save lives," says Yoalexis, who arrived in Peru in 2018.
His journey has been fraught with challenges, leaving behind an economic situation that left him unable to support his three children.
When he arrived in the Andean country, he was in no position to revalidate his medical license – a long and expensive process that can take upwards of a year and a half.
Initially working low-paying jobs to save up enough money to send to his wife and three young children who stayed in Venezuela, he persevered until his medical license was finally homologated.
Juan Miguel Someter, a 42-year-old Venezuelan doctor, faced similar challenges after arriving in 2019.
He spent years in the construction sector before returning to medicine through this training programme.
“This programme is very positive. It helps you return to the hospital reality, the treatments. It updates you since previously I had not worked as a doctor for 4 years and having this opportunity to be here, having direct contact with patients is very positive."
Juan Miguel says as he checks the vital signs of one of his patients in the care room.
Among the 1.6 million Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Peru, there are an estimated 25,000 doctors, nurses and other health professionals eager to serve their communities.
The integration of Venezuelan health workers has proven beneficial to Peru's health care system, filling gaps and improving the quality of services available across the country.
"If they are already here and we can integrate them into the system, it is a win-win for everyone,” says Alberto Gonzalez Guzman, director of the Jose Casimiro Ulloa Emergency Hospital in Lima, which is currently hosting the programme.
In 2024, IOM and the Peruvian Ministry of Health launched a certified medical internship programme to strengthen the skills of both Peruvian and Venezuelan health professionals.
This month-long initiative will be rolled out throughout the country and has already 19 professionals participating in it.
IOM support to Peru’s health care system extends beyond this initiative, including donations of medical equipment and supplies, and professional training to health care workers.
Peruvian and Venezuelan doctors work side by side, hands steady and minds focused.
From treating minor injuries to stabilizing critical cases, they embody the versatility needed for emergencies.
This training, a whirlwind of rotations through different hospital departments, serves a dual purpose: sharing vital knowledge and mastering public hospital protocols for patient care, and socio-economic integration of migrants.
Resilience is reflected in the camaraderie between Peruvian and Venezuelan doctors.
United by a common mission to save lives, they work as a team transcending cultural boundaries.
Their collaboration not only addresses immediate health needs but also bridges communities and demonstrates how migration can bring significant benefits to all.
