Lack of medical care? Hospital General Responses to the Accusations

Published February 20, 2025

The recent complaint by a resident of San Miguel de Allende has put the quality of medical care in the city at the center of the debate. Jessica Frick-Liston, a woman who recounts her mother’s denial of care at the Felipe G. Dobarganes General Hospital, has caused a stir on social networks and has led health authorities to clarify some critical points about the operation of this hospital. Access to quality medical services is critical to the well-being of the community and this situation highlights existing concerns.

What is raised here is not only a particular case, but establishes a pattern of debate about medical care in Mexico. In a country where the lack of medical care has led to an estimated 20% of deaths being due to it, the environment becomes even more critical. It is essential to address these points while examining the broader context of care in San Miguel de Allende.

Jessica Frick-Liston’s reporting
Jessica’s complaint centers on her mother’s experience at the hospital, where she was allegedly denied care because there was a gunshot patient in the emergency room. In her writing, she mentions that the situation stemmed from a “Silver Code,” a protocol that, according to the hospital director, was not activated in this case. These types of accusations not only affect the hospital’s reputation, but also the community’s trust in the medical care they receive.

The director of the hospital, Martín Milán, has been clear in stating that there are no circumstances in which patients are rejected: “Our obligation is to receive them, value them and preserve life as much as possible”. In addition, he assures that the process of evaluating patients in emergencies follows a triage system that prioritizes the most critical, a decision that may seem unfair at times of high demand, but that is necessary to guarantee adequate care.

Classification of patients in emergencies
Triage is a crucial process in emergency medical care. This system allows patients to be classified according to the severity of their conditions, ensuring that those in the most critical situations receive care first. Martín Milán explains that although it may seem that some patients are overlooked, in reality priority is given to those who face life-threatening situations, such as cardiac arrest or serious injuries.

This poses a challenge for health authorities, as public pressure and unforeseen circumstances can make it difficult to manage crises efficiently. A delicate balance is required between the capacity of the hospital and the maximum needs of the population. For a hospital that sits at the center of a community as active as San Miguel de Allende, this is a constant set of resources and difficult decisions, which must be handled with dedication and seriousness.

The context of medical care in Mexico
The problem of medical care in San Miguel de Allende is not an isolated case. As the situation deepens, the need arises to consider the broader problems facing the health system in Mexico. The lack of doctors and the shortage of medicines have been diagnosed as critical problems contributing to the public health crisis. Shortcomings in these resources have directly affected the quality of care in many areas, including emergencies in hospitals.

According to a recent analysis, the lack of medical care derived from these problems has led to a percentage of Mexicans not having access to adequate services. This alarming situation highlights the need for a more robust approach to health policy and the need for the government to respond to the seriousness of the situation.

Impact of Violence on Health Care
The violence in the country has led not only to questioning the capabilities of the health system, but also to creating an unsafe environment for health workers and patients. The fact that a patient wounded by a gunshot caused the potential activation of a “Code Silver” reflects the severity of violence in the community. Health authorities must work together with various bodies to address this critical situation.

The figures of violence have increased in certain regions, and in San Miguel de Allende, there have been similar cases where medical care is affected by the situation of drug cartels. Stories of people who are unable to access care out of fear have become common, exposing the lack of adequate structures and protocols to ensure the safety of both patients and medical staff.

Within this context of violence, the population must be aware of the importance of advocating for dignified and adequate medical care. Platforms that allow the reporting of these problems help to raise awareness in the community and demand efficient responses from the authorities. Thus, an involved community is key to improving the health system.

Hospital responses to controversies
The responses of the Felipe G. Dobarganes General Hospital are part of a public commitment to address the complaints filed by citizens. By emphasizing the importance of triage and prioritized care, Director Milan seeks to restore trust in the local health system. This effort is crucial at a time when the community is facing significant health challenges.

Vigilance and transparency are essential in this process. The community needs to see tangible actions and clear responses to situations that provoke this mistrust. At the same time, the hospital is faced with the task of not only demonstrating that it is willing to care for everyone, but also that it does so in safe and dignified conditions for its patients.

Milan has made it clear that no patient is turned away: “We have the obligation to attend to all patients who arrive here.” This is a fundamental pillar of medical ethics and a key message to be highlighted in the public narrative.

The role of community and transparency
In the search for solutions, the active involvement of the community is crucial. Citizens should not only be aware of their rights in accessing health care, but should also engage in dialogue with the authorities. Transparency in hospital management and its willingness to respond to the concerns of the population can facilitate a more collaborative and reliable environment.

Health education is another dimension that should not be overlooked. The more informed citizens are about the services available, the conditions that dominate the health care system, and how to report problems, the more appropriate their role will be as advocates and promoters of adequate health care. Acting as an active voice within the community can catalyze positive changes in the health system.

The search for a fairer health system
Finally, addressing the problems of the health system in San Miguel de Allende and in Mexico implies a constant search for more equitable medical care. It is crucial that health authorities recognize the importance of investing in resources that strengthen not only hospital infrastructure, but also the training and retention of doctors and specialists.

Demanding that medical services be accessible and of quality is not only a request from citizens but a right. Public health must be at the top of the government’s agenda, and support for public hospitals becomes vital to meet the most pressing needs of the community. Similarly, awareness days and training for medical personnel can contribute to improving care and safety protocols.

Community Initiatives and Public Health
Community initiatives and joint work between the population and health institutions can result in innovative alternatives that help mitigate current problems. It is critical to open spaces where community voices are heard and where a clear agenda for health care can be defined.

For that, social media plays a crucial role in providing a platform to share experiences, but also to mobilize the community around the cause of quality healthcare. Through collections, awareness events, and information campaigns, citizens can contribute to restoring confidence in the health system and demanding necessary changes.

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