Inspirational doctor who has transformed the lives of people in South America will speak at an event in Derry this week

A missionary doctor who has devoted his life to offering medical care to the people of Peru is speaking in Derry next month.

Dr Klaus Deiter John travels the world spreading the story of the hospital he founded with his wife Martina in the city of Curahuasi.

The interdenominational mission hospital, school and children’s ministry is called ‘Diospi Suyana’ which means ‘we trust in God’.

Dr John was trained at Harvard and Yale, but spurned a lucrative medical career in order to care for the some of world’s poorest people.

“My time spent at Harvard University’s Massachusetts General Hospital and Yale University as a surgical resident opens doors for me when I travel around the world to share our testimony,” he explained.

“For instance, I frequently have the opportunity to speak at secular universities, companies and charity organizations.

“Some people will take me more seriously when I talk about my faith in Jesus Christ if they know I’ve had success in the secular or academic circles from which they come.”

Dr John (pictured above with his wife Martina) choose to open his mission hospital in Curahuasi after identifying it as an area of high need.

“Thirty million people live in Peru, and half of them are indigenous,” he explained.

“These people are the descendants of the ancient Incas.

“They have been neglected and exploited for centuries and have a reduced life expectancy.

“The majority of them lives in clay houses and are many times without window glass, running water, electricity or a sewage system.

“This clearly impacts their health and longevity.

So far the hospital has treated 140,000 patients who come from across Peru to access medical care.

‘Diospi Suyana’ is entirely funded by donations which the doctor raises by giving presentations around the world.

“I have given just more than 1,900 hundred presentations in 19 different countries about the work we do at Diospi Suyana,” he said.

“Neither I nor my wife ever asks for money when we speak.

“We simply share our story, pack our bags and say goodbye.”

Doctor John will be speaking at the Clooney Hall in the Waterside at 7.30pm on Wednesday, October 5.