Venezuelan Doctors Saving Lives and Strengthening the Health Care System in Peru

Lima, Peru – 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 opportunity is like a dream come true," Juan Miguel says as he checks the vital signs of one of his patients in the care room.

Contributing from the front line

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. “This is not just about sharing skills. It is a bridge connecting Peruvian and migrant doctors for integration,” said Jorge Martin, IOM Health and Migration Unit Coordinator in Peru.

Doctors beyond borders

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.

Despite the heart-wrenching separation from his family – six long years without seeing his wife and three children – he perseveres. “My family is the driving force that pushes me forward every day,” he says with a voice breaking into emotion.

"Being apart taught me to be strong. The distance between us helped me grow," Yoalexis said, echoing the sentiment of many who have turned adversity into an opportunity for growth.

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.

This story was written by Gema Cortes, IOM Media and Communications Unit, Office of the Special Envoy for the Regional Response to the Venezuela Situation.