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Like most of the civilized world, Mexico has universal health care. There are two major providers, ISSTE & IMSS, depending on employment and geographic area. In fact, retirees and other ex-pats can even "opt in" to the Mexican Health Care system once their migration status is established as something beyond "tourist" (FMT). Some medications are not covered; there can be somtimes lengthy waits for treatment. But there are also private providers for things not covered by the healthcare system. Medicines not covered by the healthcare system are readily available in the pharmacies, often for far less money than the same drugs would cost in the United States.
The training for doctors in Mexico is very similar to what is received in the
United States. In fact, many norteno doctors receive their training in Mexican
Med schools; the one in Guadalajara is especially well-known for this. The professionals
with whom I have dealt have been very skilled and dedicated. But there compensation
is paltry by US standards. They are required to provide care in the public health
clinics and hospitals for very limited wages. To compensate, most doctors have
"Consultorios" or private clinics. Often, these are associated with pharmacies.
To qualify as a "Farmacia de Primera Clase", in fact, it must be associated with
a doctor. The photos below are from the pharmacy accross the street from the Palcio
Municipal in Boca Del Rio.
Did I mention that the prices were really reasonable?
Recently, I found myself in need of the services provided by this medical establishment.
While visiting the village of La Perla del Golfo, I attempted to help free a truck stuck
in the sand on the beach. The churning of the sand by the wheels of the truck stirred
up a nest of sand fleas, and I got scores of bites on my legs. Lo and behold, turns out
I'm allergic. By the time I got back to Boca Del Rio, my lower legs were covered with
viciously itching red whelps. So, I headed straight to the pharmacy - and the pharmacist
directed me to the doctor next door. There was no waiting, and in moments I had the following
prescription:
I popped next door and had the medications in hand in well under five minutes. With the drugs in hand, I was able to once again see the doctor immediately. The only med requiring a prescription was the cortison, and as it was injectable, I had the doctor do the job . The young doctor in question, Dra. Lizethe Gabriela Ocampo Pierre, is not listed on the sign outside the office, but her competence is unquestionable. Should I again find myself in need of medical attention while in Boca, I'll certainly be looking for her again.
The total tab for a visit to the doctor; a buttocks full of hydrocortsone; ten days of twice-a-day
non-drowsy antihistimine; and two jars of zink oxide cream? A paltry 158 pesos. Less than $15usd.
Amazing.
The next night, I dropped by a pharmacy in Alvarado and saw a painting that described the
attitude of Mexican doctors towards their vocation. The drugist wouldn't sell me the
painting, but I took a picture to share with you.
This painting shows the doctor struggling with death for his patient.
Dental care is another matter. I've had some good dental work done while in Mexico
and I've had some mediocre work done. I'd suggest that you check with the local
ex-pats for recommendations. On the other hand, if I broke a tooth in someplace
like Tatahuicapan, I could see myself in a clinic like this:
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