Amid spiraling violence, a US organization runs one of the last medical clinics in Haiti's capital.

In Port-au-Prince, Haiti, PID, a nonprofit organization based in Ipswich, Mass., operates one of the few remaining medical clinics amid ongoing unrest in the country.

PID clinic president Tali Marcelin informed Planet Chronicle Digital that their clinic has experienced an increase in patients recently due to several healthcare facilities shutting down and other nonprofits withdrawing from the area.

Since late February, fighting has been ongoing in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as gangs have been battling police for control of the city. In early March, armed gangs attacked Haiti's National Penitentiary and the Croix-des-Bouquets Civil prison, resulting in the release of nearly 5,000 inmates.

Last week, armed groups looted several facilities in Port-au-Prince, including the Delmas 18 Hospital, the Saint Martin Health Center, and 10 pharmacies near Haiti's largest public hospital, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The United Nations estimated last year that 80% of Port-au-Prince is under the control or influence of gangs.

The ongoing conflict in the area poses a significant challenge for PID in maintaining a well-stocked clinic, as the cost of supplies has drastically increased.

Marcelin stated that they previously had teams of individuals who would journey to Haiti with thousands of pounds of medical supplies. However, they are currently unable to bring the teams or donated medical supplies, compelling them to purchase in-country.

"We've encountered a significant challenge in maintaining a sufficient supply of lab tests, supplies, and medication in the pharmacy," she stated. "The services are free, and they are essential for the people. There are limited alternatives available, and few options exist for them to turn to."

Stocking up on supplies can be challenging. Despite our best efforts, there may be times when we don't have a particular item in stock, and patients have to purchase it elsewhere.

"Unfortunately, many of the individuals we work with lack the financial resources to purchase medication from a pharmacy. As a result, they may not receive proper treatment or only partial care, which presents a challenging situation."

The clinic operates from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, but has had to close early due to unrest and gunshots in the area. Sometimes, PID's staff stay overnight to avoid traveling on unsafe roads.

Marcelin estimated that they likely shut their doors for about eight to ten days in the past two years.

"We rarely witness violence in our immediate vicinity, even though it occurs in other areas, which has been fortunate for us. However, two weeks ago, we had to shut down for a day and a half due to a violent incident," she stated.

The clinic has approximately 30 full- and part-time staff, including a primary care physician, triage nurses, pharmacists, and lab technicians. They offer a variety of services, including wound and emergency care, pre- and post-natal care.

The PID director shared with Planet Chronicle Digital that Haiti has always faced numerous challenges, including earthquakes, coups, hurricanes, and more. Despite these difficulties, the Haitian people have shown remarkable resilience and always look towards the future with hope.

According to a report from the U.N.'s International Organization for Migration (IOM), over 53,000 people have left the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area between March 8 and March 27.

The IOM's report stated that attacks and generalized insecurity are driving an increasing number of individuals to flee the capital in search of safety in provinces, despite the risks associated with traveling through gang-controlled routes.

The majority of displaced people escaping the capital were heading to southern Haiti, including Grande’Anse and Nippes, as well as other regions.

According to the IOM, 3% of people intended the Dominican Republic as their final destination.

Raymond Niquelson, the PID Haiti Field Director who has been with the nonprofit since 1999, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the past few weeks in the area have been challenging.

Despite the restriction on going out of the area, our clinic is brimming with patients. Some of them need to return the next day because we are fully occupied.

"Despite other places closing down and ceasing services, we are grateful to still be able to offer our services to the public."