Paying up to 3,000 pesos a day for a spot on the street, relatives of hospitalized patients sleep or camp outside the Gilberto Gómez Maza Hospital in Chiapas.
A critical situation has been reported at the Dr. Jesús Gilberto Gómez Maza Hospital in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, where relatives of patients are facing exorbitant charges for staying on the street. The situation outside the hospital is described as follows:
Spot charges: Reports indicate that outsiders are demanding up to 3,000 pesos a day from relatives to allow them to camp or set up on the street in front of the hospital. Lack of infrastructure: The lack of sufficient shelters forces families to sleep on sidewalks, chairs, or in makeshift tents so they don’t miss any news of their loved ones.
Additional expenses: In addition to the alleged “spot fee,” relatives spend an average of at least 150 pesos a day just on basic services such as restrooms, showers, and inexpensive food.
External factors: Families face unsafe conditions, recent rains, and dust from construction work in nearby areas such as the Torre Chiapas.
Support alternatives.
Although demand exceeds capacity, there are some options to mitigate expenses:
Shelter: A shelter has been mentioned that offers beds, bathrooms, and food free of charge or at low cost to family members, although it is often full.
Civil associations: Volunteer groups occasionally come to distribute food and coffee to those waiting outside.
Source: Milenio
