The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) has challenged at least 78 amparos filed by cancer patients demanding oncological medications. This occurs despite the institution itself acknowledging the shortage of these supplies before judges.
Civil organizations have denounced that the IMSS allocates resources to halt the legal demands of patients, instead of ensuring the delivery of treatments. This highlights the crisis in the health system. It also shows the lack of commitment to the sick.
Mexicanos reclaman el uso de recursos para impugnar amparos en vez de para proveer los medicamentos necesarios.
Patients unprotected against bureaucracy
In recent years, the shortage of medications at the IMSS has been a constant issue that has severely affected patients with diseases like cancer.
Even though the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) has issued rulings. These rulings oblige the IMSS to reimburse beneficiaries for expenses on unsupplied medications. Despite this, the IMSS has chosen to challenge the amparos that patients file to access their treatments.
El IMSS enfrenta desde hace años el desabasto de medicamentos, afectando a miles de mexicanos.
Alarming increase in amparos
The situation has led to a significant increase in amparos related to the lack of medications. In the last five years, legal resources have increased by 600%. This increase reflects the desperation of patients in the face of the inefficiency of the public health system, which doesn't meet their basic needs.
Call to action and transparency
Civil organizations and rights advocates demand something. They ask the IMSS and the federal government to prioritize health and implement effective measures to solve the medication shortage. They also request that they refrain from obstructing access to justice through challenges, which exacerbate the health crisis.
Largas filas y desasbasto de medicamentos es un constante en el deteriorado sistema de salud mexicano.
Health is a constitutional right that must be guaranteed without bureaucratic obstacles or unjustified delays. It is imperative that the authorities act with responsibility and empathy to ensure that no patient is forced to resort to legal instances to receive the treatment they need.
