Palmetto Medical Initiative (PMI) is committed to transforming communities by raising the quality of healthcare in developing communities. We do this through developing medical centers in our host countries that offer top-quality services while also being affordable for the patients it services. These medical centers are staffed by locals from the communities we serve, making them community-led initiatives that will sustain for years to come.
PMI’s vision is to see impoverished communities take ownership in a sustainable healthcare model, so that they may become empowered to bring about long-term change and tangible improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, it is our desire to provide allied healthcare professionals and students the opportunity to impact the lives of people in need across the world.
Background
Founded in 2008, PMI was conceived by Matt Alexander, a veteran non-profit leader, and Dr. Ed O’Bryan, a physician and long-time medical missions director. While Ed divulged his passion for global medical missions, Matt saw an incredible potential for making a difference in the world through the mobilization of people in his community. United by their common belief that a new way to treat underserved populations was possible, they organized a diverse group of collaborators and supporters to form PMI and create an opportunity to test their vision.
The pair took their first team to Uganda for a site visit in 2009 and were overwhelmed by the apparent healthcare needs facing communities on the ground. By combining the resources available through globally-minded churches, universities, organizations and individuals, PMI Uganda was realized later that year. Through implementing a successful, sustainable medical clinic on the ground in Uganda, PMI has been able to spread its wings into other valued communities across the world.
The success of the original clinic is due to the fact that PMI decided to create healthcare facilities that charged for services. In doing so each location would achieve true independence and sustainability. By offering quality care at a reasonable price, a self-sustaining loop of prevention, patronage and health could be established and consistently employ individuals from the very population it intended to serve. In this manner, PMI is as much a cultural and economic revolution inside a community as it is a health care transformation.
What We Do
PMI is committed to having a sustainable medical presence in our partnering communities through the development of comprehensive medical centers. In keeping with our sustainable healthcare model, the medical centers are staffed by locals on the ground, creating jobs in the region and giving ownership to those for whom it is intended. We utilize short-term medical trips to support and gain recognition for the medical centers while they undergo construction.
PMI piloted our first medical center in Masindi, Uganda and, after significant successes, we are excited to have expanded our model of sustainable, quality healthcare into Central America.
