The Wayuu Community Of Provincial And Cerrejón Inaugurate Health Center In La Guajira

The new facility will provide health services to over 1,000 people

On April 16, 2024, the indigenous community of Provincial and Cerrejón inaugurated the first health center located within an indigenous reservation in La Guajira which will benefit over 1,000 people belonging to this community. The construction of 1,600 m2 includes areas for dental, gynecology, laboratory, doctor´s office, nursing room, and other medical services, as well as a space dedicated for Wayuu traditional medicine. The facility also includes a children’s park. The center will have permanent access to power through a dedicated generator. The community will have access to modern health care facilities close to where they live; avoiding the 25km trip to the local hospital; for all but the most serious of conditions.

Cerrejón provided support to the community through the contracting and construction process, using local suppliers and contractors where possible.

The inauguration was attended by the 12 Traditional authorities from Provincial, Cerrejón representatives including our President, Claudia Bejarano, the Barrancas Mayor and other local authorities, the manager of the Barrancas hospital, representatives of health care entities, councils and governors of neighboring indigenous communities, and the community in general. During the event, there was a demonstration of traditional Wayuu medicine, a gastronomic exhibition, an exhibition of typical crafts, and plants planted in the community nursery that provides services for the company's rehabilitation programme.

“I am happy and grateful to Cerrejón for the launch of the health center, in which we participated from its design, then to the construction, and now all members of the community will be able to benefit, including other communities close to us. We dream of turning it into an indigenous health facility (IPS) based on the 1953 decree. I am glad that we can have this space for the practice of traditional medicine because it helps preserve our culture," stated Luis Emiro Guariyu, traditional Provincial authority.

“This health center significantly strengthens the care of the 1,000 members of the Provincial community, in quality and time of care, with excellent facilities that provide both Western medicine services and those relevant to Wayuu uses and customs. It is the first healthcare center in La Guajira and the country, with these multi-disciplinary characteristics, designed and built by the community and executed by a community-based organization furthering. The health center will also offer services to the reservations in the south of the department, including the reservations of San Francisco, Cerro de Hatonuevo and other communities in the area," stated Claudia Bejarano, President of Cerrejón.

With this initiative, Cerrejón contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 3: Health and Well-being, 10: Reduction of Inequalities and 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which seek to promote a healthy life, guarantee equal opportunities, encourage the inclusion of all people and make communities more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.