Watch Clinica de Migrantes

Clinica de Migrantes is a 2016 documentary film directed by Maxim Pozdorovkin. The film showcases the work of a charitable medical clinic that provides healthcare services to undocumented immigrants in South Philadelphia. The movie begins by introducing the audience to the Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization, Puentes de Salud, founded by Dr. Steven Larson. The clinic serves a diverse population of patients, including those who are undocumented, uninsured, or do not qualify for Medicaid. The documentary highlights the patients and staff at this clinic, set up in a former nightclub in the city’s Washington Avenue.

Through still shots of the neighborhood settings and interviews with patients and doctors alike, the viewers get an insight into the work of the clinic in a warm, practical and sometimes heartbreaking way. They learn of the struggles of undocumented migrants in Philadelphia and how it complicates their access to healthcare, housing and education.

We are then introduced to some of the clinic's doctors, including Dr. Larson. They are shown doing their mundane jobs with utmost diligence and care, irrespective of the professional or financial limitations. The staff members work tirelessly, often well beyond closing hours, to ensure their patients receive the best quality of care possible.

Throughout the movie, Pozdorovkin shows the medical staff and patients at work, treating a range of medical issues that include chronic conditions such as diabetes and various infections. We see clinicians carrying out check-ups, providing medication and carrying out various diagnostic procedures e.g. ultrasounds. Thanks to their efforts, many of the immigrants finally receive medical care which wouldn't have been possible without this clinic.

The film includes a series of interviews with the patients of the clinic that form an insightful part of the movie. These interviews reveal some of the challenges that these patient suffer from, such as the concern of fear of getting infected from a disease, without being able to seek out affordable medical care. Through their candid stories, the patients describe the impact that the clinic has had on their lives; enabling them to access healthcare services that they might not have been able to find elsewhere.

Clinica de Migrantes is rendered even more poignant by its portrayal of the struggles faced by patients as they attempt to navigate the overly complex US healthcare system. An aspect that the movie portrays very well is the urgent need for a better national and ethical understanding of the immigrant population, the challenges they face and how to address their particular medical and social issues.

The film is a powerful exploration of the human cost of the rapidly changing political landscape in the US. With debates surrounding immigration laws at the forefront of US politics, the movie is a timely reminder that the stories that make up the immigration debate go beyond raw policy and politics. Through its excellent vocal delivery of this narrative, the movie illuminates some of the complexities surrounding immigration policy in the US.

Overall, Clinica de Migrantes is a thoughtful and moving account of a clinic that has served some of the most vulnerable in society in a dignified and compassionate manner. This documentary is a must-watch for those interested in healthcare, social justice, immigration policy and advocacy.

Clinica de Migrantes is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.