Merida, Yucatan — The state’s “Médico a Domicilio” (“Doctor at Home”) program has reached more than 13,000 families in just two months.
Modeled after a program started in Merida in 2016, medical teams are now knocking on doors statewide.
The program brings medical attention and medicine to homebound patients.
In its present statewide iteration, the in-home physician-care program began in Izamal on Oct. 29.
Six medical brigades have been formed, each one with a doctor, a nurse, a nutritionist, a social worker and a health promoter.
Implemented only a few days into the current administration, this program targets patients with disabilities, chronic or terminal diseases, the elderly and pregnant women.
Among the people who have benefited from this program is Esther Tec Dzib, 48, who 20 years ago was left partially paralyzed and unable to speak after an embolism.
The Motul resident did not receive medical attention until now, under the program.
“I am very pleased that the governor cares for his people, because this way the population feels more secure and calm,” said her sister, María Ofelia Tec Dzib. She added that transportation costs are out of reach.
The program is still in early stages. Once it is fully operational, house calls will annually reach 470,000 qualified applicants in Yucatan, about half of which are elderly.
Over 112,000 disabled residents and 106,000 patients with chronic diseases will also be reached, as well as 2,500 pregnant women who qualify for pre-natal care.
Source: Press release
