Cancer healthcare access and reform in Latin America

In Chile, the government is expanding its Explicit Health Guarantees (GES) regime to include all oncological pathologies between 2028 and 2031. This reform aims to provide universal access to care for rare or “orphan” cancers and reduce waiting times. Under the new system, Fonasa patients will face zero copayments for various services, while Isapre patients will be capped at a 20 percent copayment.

In Mexico, legislative and local efforts to improve cancer care are unfolding simultaneously. The Green Party of Mexico has proposed the Law for the Prevention, Detection, Diagnosis, and Comprehensive Care of Cancer to establish free, universal access to medical care and create a Cancer Registry. However, in the state of Chiapas, citizens and social organizations are demanding the reopening of the State Cancerology Center in Tapachula, which has been closed since late 2022, causing financial hardship for patients forced to travel for treatment.

In Guatemala, healthcare facilities are adjusting to high patient volumes. Hospital Roosevelt is expanding its hematology-oncology unit hours for chemotherapy and transfusions, with plans to offer daily services by September. Additionally, the Ministry of Public Health is working toward the creation of a specialized cancer hospital as required by the 2024 Cancer Law.