Laureate Impact

In the heart of Puente Piedra – a historically underserved community in northern Lima – the Centro Universitario de Salud (University Health Center) at Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN) is transforming lives and making a lasting impact.

The Center provides free healthcare services to thousands of residents each year – individuals who often face significant barriers to accessing basic services, including healthcare – while also giving Health Sciences students hands-on experience in patient care.

Currently, the Center operates in five key areas: obstetrics, psychology, nutrition, nursing, and physical therapy and rehabilitation. In 2024 alone, it served more than 8,000 patients through over 30,000 consultations.

These figures reflect not only the high demand for accessible healthcare but also the dedication of UPN and its students to applying academic knowledge to real-world situations – gaining invaluable experience while making a tangible difference.

The Center is expected to expand its services soon to include medical consultations and laboratory diagnostics. This growth underscores UPN’s commitment to improving community health and training the next generation of healthcare professionals.

In addition to daily consultations, the Center extends its impact through health campaigns, outreach fairs at UPN campuses, and partnerships with local government initiatives. These efforts help reach even more individuals, addressing health disparities in a district where access to medical care remains limited.

The Center’s work has been widely recognized with honors such as Perú por los ODS (organized by Perú Sostenible, recognizing businesses, entrepreneurs, and NGOs that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Peru) and Empresas que Transforman (a prominent Peruvian program that celebrates companies implementing Shared Value strategies to address social challenges while achieving economic success). In 2024, the Center was also a semi-finalist for the prestigious Green Gown Awards, supported by the United Nations Environment Programme, which recognize outstanding environmental and social responsibility initiatives in higher education institutions around the world. These accolades highlight the Center’s role in advancing sustainable healthcare solutions and promoting community well-being.

As it continues to grow and enhance its services, the Center is poised to deepen its impact. By bridging healthcare gaps and preparing socially responsible health professionals, UPN is helping to build a healthier, more resilient Puente Piedra.