Background

In the early 90’s, the Healing Grace Medical Center was opened in the under-privileged area of Fanar. The Evangelical Baptist Church purchased a spacious building capable of accommodating a church as well as a clinic. At the time, there was only one other clinic in the area, and a great need existed for a clinic that would offer healthcare services at little or no cost, so the church immediately began to equip and furnish its clinic. In fact, the need in the area is so exceptionally large that eventually 10 other medical centers opened nearby. HGMC remains, however, one of the most trusted clinics in the area because of its unique dedication to quality health care, specialized and highly trained staff, special attention to patients, and because of its boldness in spreading the message of love to all who enter through its doors.

Staff and Activities

Thirteen local doctors volunteer at HGMC, scheduling their services at alternate times, and thus covering all shifts and rotations. A head nurse, assistant nurse and a supervisor also work there. Open Monday through Friday, this general practice clinic treats over 100 patients a week suffering from various diseases and conditions.

To further their goal to help as many poor and sick people as possible, the clinic actively seeks to educate people about basic health issues by holding conferences mainly targeted towards women. Topics covered include nutrition, basic health care, raising children and other related subjects. The clinic is also involved in ongoing projects that provide expensive medical diagnostic laboratory tests at a low cost to those who otherwise could not afford them. The clinic offers pap smears, mammography, echography, and osteodensiometry tests at little or no cost to a limited numbers of patients. In addition, it is currently sponsoring a part-time geriatric doctor to provide consultation for about 100 elderly every month. Moreover, HGMC staff has been volunteering to distribute basic food and milk to poor families during special times such as Christmas. They visit houses in poor areas to distribute these packages and tell them about Jesus Christ.

HGMC is also involved in actively spreading the word of God to its patients, taking advantage of the fact that the clinic is in the same building as the church. Through the distribution of Bibles, tracts, and other Christian literature, HGMC shares the Word of God with patients in the waiting room, and sometimes during consultations.

Future Plans and Current Needs

HGMC plans to expand its ministry further and welcome a wider range of patients by adding new specialties, such as dentistry, in the near future.

In order to continue serving its growing number of patients, HGMC needs to replace some of its older equipment. There is also a continual need to receive large amounts of medications. Additional financial resources are required to allow HGMC to continue sponsoring and initiating projects that positively impact the community.