Pro Mujer, an international microfinance network composed of partner MFIs in several Latin American countries, is a believer and a practitioner of “Microfinance Plus”— a term that has come to capture the concept of offering integrated services to its clients. Through their work with clients, the leaders of Pro Mujer realized that existing health care services, as inadequate as they are, are often underutilized by their clients. In addition to the lack of access, Pro Mujer clients also did not use public and private health services because they were afraid and uncomfortable, had been mistreated, and/or were also dissatisfied with the quality of services.20
Recognizing that health is important for the well-being of their clients and for building a strong support and solidarity network among their clients, Pro Mujer decided to offer health services themselves or help their clients gain access to health services that fit their needs.
To deliver health services, Pro Mujer uses different strategies depending on the needs of their clients, and the resources they have available. In some countries, such as Bolivia, Pro Mujer has its own healthcare facilities located in the Focal Center where women repay their loans and are able to receive counseling and basic medical care. If they need more sophisticated care, they are then referred to local providers, with whom Pro Mujer has already established linkages, to treat more complicated needs. In other countries, such as Peru, Pro Mujer does not offer health services in-house. Instead, they refer clients to partnering local healthcare facilities. Along with health services, Pro Mujer is continuously trying to integrate other products, such as health insurance, into its model to help provide a more comprehensive set of products and services that help clients to become more healthy and self-sufficient. Though the strategies may differ to maximize their effectiveness, the goal is the same: to facilitate access to health care and to help clients assume responsibility for taking care of their own and their families’ health.21 The results from Pro Mujer’s program show improved client health but also improved overall client confidence and awareness. A study conducted in Bolivia in 2005 shows that young children of clients participating in the program for a longer period are less likely to get sick (70
percent vs. 77 percent) than children of non-members, and if children do get sick, 91 percent of the long-term women clients get them medical attention versus 82 percent of newer clients.
Though no substantial differences were found among adult clients, members who are long-term clients are less likely to fall sick compared to new clients. What is more compelling is that having training and access to health care over time changes clients’ health practices. As Carmen Velasco states, “ Pro Mujer is contributing not only to the knowledge of clients, but it is making them more aware of their rights [and], more empowered to fight for them, while also changing their health practices.”
Microfinance: A Platform for Social Change by Marge Magner March 2007 Grameen Foundation
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