Frontera NorteSur, September 1999

City's Doctors Can't Meet Needs of Growing Population

In the 225 medical facilities of the Mexican Institute of Social Health (IMSS) in Cd. Juárez, there is only one doctor for every three thousand residents, and each doctor is seeing up to five patients every hour, according to a report completed by the Private Initiative Group.

The report was presented at a August 10 meeting and attempted to demonstrate the deficiencies of the national institute including the current 1 to 3,000 doctor patient ration when the ideal is 1 to 2400. The lack of technology, including labs and x-ray equipment, in many of the local facilities was also reported. Only 30 percent of the facilities have x-ray equipment, and four do not have laboratories.

The businesses that make up the Private Initiative group explained that it is insufficient to have 225 medical facilities for a population of nearly a million because then only 66 percent of the population is served. The regional director of the IMSS, Ricardo Cavazos Galván, however, questioned the procedures and dates of the study, as well as the population figures used but he will examine the report further before commenting.

Other statistics reported showed that there is one dentist per each 27 thousand residents and only one bed for each two thousand residents. But Cavazos Galván continued defending the work of the Institute, according to the El Diario report, by reminding those at the meeting of the major services the IMSS offers employees, and that IMSS will soon be opening a Specialty Hospital with a transplant unit in November of next year.

However, the IMSS spokesperson did acknowledge the crisis situation in Cd. Juárez with the tremendous growth in population that is not being matched by growth in infrastructure or financing.

Source: El Diario

Cervical Cancer Lead Killer Of Mexican Women

Each month in Cd. Juárez seven women will die of cervical cancer, the major killer of women in all of México, however, this cancer is nearly controlled in the U.S. According to the State of Chihuahua Health Services (SSEC), every third day, a women dies of this cancer in Cd. Juárez.

Early detection is the best way to avoid dying from this disease. "Cervical cancer is one of the most benign cancers, and with early detection, the death risk can be decreased," said Beatriz Díaz Apodaca, coordinator of the SSEC. The pap smear is the typical test for early detection, and this test is provided free in state health institutions. It is recommended that women take this test annually.

According to Apodaca, this cancer has a typical life span of ten years from its first appearance until it metastasizes, when it has its most deadly consequences. If the disease is detected in its early state than it can often be treated successfully with medication; in its intermediary stages a hysterectomy can sometimes save the woman's life.

Some risk factors, according to Apodaca, are an early initiation of sexual activity (before the age of 18), multiple sexual partners, and same sex partners. Other key risk factors are having suffered multiple and repetitive vaginal infections, smoking, having delivered more than five children, and being over 35 years old.

Interestingly, El Diario's August 9 article also listed "having different partners of the same gender," as a risk factor. However, Dr. Myer of NMSU Student health Center was "not aware" of same sex partners being a risk factor for cervical cancer although he agreed with the other factors listed. Dr. Lopez, a Las Cruces OB-GYN expressed surprise to FNS staff at the number of deaths due to cervical cancer when it is a managed cancer in the U.S.

There are 17 state health centers in Cd. Juárez that provide pap tests free of charge, and efforts will be made to get women the results of their tests, even if they do not have a street address, according to Apodaca.

Source: El Diario

More Rainfall Means More Bugs

Cd. Juárez, Doña Ana County and El Paso have all reported record numbers of insects in the border area due to higher than average rainfall this summer. Many of the bugs being seen are potentially dangerous to humans including mosquitoes, black widows and scorpions.

Thomas Gamboa, supervisor for vector control in El Paso's health and environment district said, "I don't think I've ever seen it this bad in all my 19 years working here." He trapped 15 hundred adult mosquitos in one night and commented that anything over 100 indicates infestation.

Although no cases have been reported, the fear exists that mosquitoes may be carrying dengue or equine encephalitis, both viral infections that cause serious illness and could reach epidemic proportions.

El Paso health officials have been fogging and spraying, but the bugs are located in an immense area along the river and on both sides.

In Cd. Juárez, El Diario reported that there has been numerous sightings of black widows and scorpions, which both carry venom that is potentially fatal. There has also been an increase in cockroaches, flies, grasshoppers, crickets, which may not carry venom however are capable, especially flies and roaches, of carrying disease via their legs and wings.

The general advice is to keep houses and yards as clean as possible and fumigate regularly.

Sources: El Diario, El Paso Times