Elder Renlund Sees Church Donations in Action at University Hospital in Uruguay

On Monday, November 10, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Ruth, visited the Clinical Hospital Dr. Manuel Quintela in Montevideo, Uruguay, where Elder Renlund had the opportunity to see how the Church’s donations over the past 14 years have helped improve healthcare in Uruguay.

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“We have been impressed by the compassion, love, and desire to help shown by the doctors and healthcare providers we have met,” Elder Renlund said. “Their example reminds us that serving others is one of the purest expressions of God’s love.”

The Apostle added that the desire to help others comes from the spiritual understanding that we are all children of the same Heavenly Father.

“God is no respecter of persons, and that is why we must treat one another as brothers and sisters. Part of loving God is showing love to our neighbor,” he said.

Since 2011, the institution has received three Nihon Kohden neurological monitoring systems, used for nerve conduction studies, electromyography, evoked potential tests, extended and video EEGs, and other specialized procedures.

Thanks to this support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the hospital has been able to perform more than 4,400 advanced medical studies, directly impacting the quality of care for thousands of patients.

The collaboration between the Church and this hospital was recognized during Elder Renlund’s visit through an official letter of appreciation issued by the Academic Unit of Clinical Neurophysiology, which expressed deep gratitude for the donation of advanced medical equipment that has been essential in strengthening the hospital’s diagnostic and scientific capabilities.

“We want to express our deep appreciation for your constant commitment to the well-being of patients and for the boost your donations have given to the technological and scientific development of our hospital. Your support has had a direct and tangible impact on the quality of care we provide every day,” the letter to the Church stated.

In regards these donations and others the Church makes around the world, Elder Renlund said, “These humanitarian funds come from Church members around the world and bless people in individual places. It is inspiring to see how the faith and contributions of Latter-day Saints help improve lives and bring hope.”

At the conclusion of the visit, Elder Renlund presented a copy of the Book of Mormon to the hospital’s general director, Dr. Arturo Villar, who thanked the Church for its ongoing support.

Elder Renlund’s visit took place as part of the centennial commemoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presence in South America.

The initiatives carried out at the Hospital de Clínicas reflect the Church’s commitment to community service and social well-being, in harmony with the centennial theme: “Following Jesus Christ, Serving Others.”

Elder Edward Dube of the Presidency of the Seventy, and his wife, Naume, and Elder Eduardo Gavarret of the South America South Area Presidency, and his wife, Norma, also participated in the visit to the hospital.

About the Hospital de Clínicas Dr. Manuel Quintela

Located in Montevideo, the Clinical Hospital Dr. Manuel Quintela is Uruguay’s main university hospital and part of the School of Medicine at the University of the Republic. Founded in 1953, it is a national benchmark in medical care, teaching, and scientific research, serving thousands of patients across the country.

Its mission combines the training of future healthcare professionals with high-complexity medical care, promoting innovation and equitable access to health services. Its academic units develop research and outreach projects that strengthen Uruguay’s healthcare system.