Among the many lessons learned from the health emergency experienced in recent years, we find the ability to adapt and be ready to respond to new needs.

Ability that the Foundation has also experienced in Peru, at the Santa Rita Polyclinic, where since 2019 it has been implementing the GASP – Global Access to Spirometry Project .

The project in the respiratory field which aims to improve the management of chronic respiratory diseases, ASMA and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In March 2020, with the first cases of COVID-19 recorded in Peru, the country entered a state of emergency. The national health system, together with the rest of the world, was faced with a great challenge with high mortality and hospitalization rates.

A challenge that does not end with the cure, the absence of the disease. Numerous studies have in fact shown that the return to daily life of many COVID-19 patients presents some critical issues not only in terms of reduced respiratory capacity, but also dyspnea and fatigue.

It has also been observed that hospitalization contributes to post-ICU (Intensive Care Unit) syndrome characterized by loss of muscle strength, depression, anxiety, cognitive changes, impaired memory and reasoning skills.

In light of the evidence relating to the impact of COVID-19, the Santa Rita Polyclinic has decided to structure a rehabilitation service. A service that aims to improve the lives of patients and to accompany them to a full recovery , taking care of all the frailties that the disease has caused.

The need to organize a rehabilitation program is also given by the lack, in the city of Cusco, of such a service for the population.

Given the emergency, Chiesi Foundation has decided to contribute to the opening of the service by supporting the setting up, training of health professionals and awareness campaigns.

An interdisciplinary team composed of the following health professionals now operates within the service: pulmonologist, cardiologist, physiotherapist, psychologist and nutritionist.

Since the inauguration of the service there has been an important turnout with about 590 medical services performed.