The Ministry of Health completed a surgical campaign through its Minsa Móvil program at Hospital Goyeneche in Arequipa, finishing on April 10. The initiative resulted in 50 surgeries and 100 specialized consultations in general surgery for patients who had been waiting months for care.
The campaign is significant as it provided much-needed medical attention to individuals who faced long delays for treatment. Patients shared their experiences of living with pain and uncertainty before finally receiving the operations they needed.
Fabiola, a 20-year-old student from the National University of San Agustín, said she had suffered from severe stomach pain since November and was unable to eat normally. After being included in the campaign, she underwent gallbladder surgery and now looks forward to returning to her studies “with a smile that reflects relief and peace.”
Bárbara, age 59 from Cayma district, said she lived with gallstones for two years and struggled to find alternatives when her pain became unbearable. She described feeling “great joy” after being selected for surgery through the program.
Other beneficiaries include Gean, age 25 from Alto Selva Alegre district, who received hernia surgery after waiting since December due to a critical episode; and Percy, a 54-year-old construction worker who could not work at his usual pace because of two umbilical hernias but now feels relieved following his operation.
These stories highlight how the intervention not only reduced waiting lists but also restored opportunities and well-being for patients. The Ministry of Health said it remains committed to bringing specialized services closer to regional populations so more Peruvians can access timely and safe care.
