Cancer care access faces challenges in Mexico and Guatemala

In Mexico, social organizations and citizens in Chiapas are demanding the immediate reopening of the State Cancerology Center in Tapachula. The facility has remained closed since late 2022, forcing oncology patients in the Soconusco region to travel to Tuxtla Gutiérrez for treatment. This relocation imposes significant financial burdens on low-income families regarding transportation, food, and lodging. Advocates have also raised concerns regarding the whereabouts of specialized equipment and the general shortage of medicines in the region.

In Guatemala, Hospital Roosevelt is working to expand its oncology services to manage high patient volumes. Director Ana Samayoa announced that the hematology-oncology unit is increasing its hours for transfusions and chemotherapy, with plans to extend services to every day by September and include Saturdays by January. Additionally, the Ministry of Public Health is working on a specialized cancer hospital as mandated by the 2024 Cancer Law. Meanwhile, the Hospital General San Juan de Dios reports an 85 percent supply level of medical and surgical drugs.