Significant measures to avoid future cash flow and operating challenges at the Cruz Roja Chapala delegation have been enacted by the board of directors.
The reduction of the payroll by eliminating certain positions and combining some functions at the Chapala clinic is the most significant action.
Other steps include an increase in some fees and enforcing pre-payment for non-emergency services such as x-rays, consultations and physical examinations.
Medication inventory is being reduced and prescriptions are being issued for longer-term treatment.
“For example, if someone needed antibiotics for ten days, we used to give them the ten-day dosage and requested recovery of the cost,” explained Norm Pifer, board of directors vice president. “Three-quarters of patients paid the recovery costs but we needed to maintain a higher inventory, thus reducing our cash flow. We still have all the emergency medications we need, just not as many sitting on the shelf.”
Treasurer Lori Burnworth is also implementing strict financial controls and practices that will affect day-to-day operation and cash flow. These include policies on vehicle maintenance, bill payment and other cost centers.
New fees have been implemented in terms of ambulance service. The following are the new non-emergency fees:
Chapala to the clinic – 200 pesos.
Ajijic, San Antonio Tlayacapan, Riberas del Pilar, Santa Cruz de la Soledad, San Nicolas de Ibarra, San Juan Tecomatlan, Tlachichilco, Mezcala de la Asuncion and Chapala Haciendas, Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos to the Cruz Roja clinic in Chapla – 400 pesos.
San Juan Cosala, Cedros, Buena Vista, Jocotepec and surroundings to the clinic – 600 pesos.
Any clinic other than Cruz Roja besides the above – 400 pesos.
One way to Guadalajara – 2,500 pesos, round trip – 3,000 pesos.
Wait time over four hours is 500 pesos per hour.
Refusal of service at a residence – 200 pesos.
Looking ahead, the board of directors is developing a plan to offer a pre-paid fee card for ambulance services.
Though these changes will relieve some of the financial stress of the Cruz Roja, ongoing financial support spread over the coming year will be needed. Check out www.cruzrojalakeside.com to see how you can help.