Mexico medical tourism booms as Americans danger lives for surgical procedures: ‘Worst selection I ever made’

Just days after 4 Americans have been kidnapped and two have been killed whereas crossing the Mexican border, Mexico’s President says his nation is safer than the U.S.

“Mexico is safer than the U.S., and there’s no drawback with touring safely throughout Mexico,” President Andrés Manuel López Obrador mentioned throughout his each day press briefing. “That’s one thing the U.S. residents know, and one thing our fellow countrymen know. It’s not that they’re afraid. It’s not that this violence you point out actually exists, no. Its manipulation, pure and vile manipulation.”

The group was reportedly touring for affordable medical procedures, highlighting the risks of medical tourism. The business brings massive cash for Mexico. But, going beneath the knife at a Mexican clinic has left many Americans combating for his or her lives.

Justine Rodriguez had a bariatric process that left her combating for her life and on a feeding tube for practically three years.

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Justine Rodriguez within the hospital after a botched process in Tijuana, Mexico. (Justine Rodriguez)

“I used to be nervous concerning the surgical procedure, however like I mentioned, I used to be determined,” says Justine Rodriguez.

Rodriguez was practically 400 kilos when the Idaho native made the choice to get weight-loss surgical procedure. Her insurance coverage wouldn’t cowl the process, so she went to Tijuana, Mexico.

“That was in all probability the worst selection I ever made in my life,” Rodriguez mentioned.

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Justine Rodriguez earlier than having surgical procedure in Tijuana, Mexico. (Justine Rodriguez)

The 2016 surgical procedure solely value $5,000 however left the Rodriguez, now 37, with main problems.

“My lungs collapsed. My kidneys and my liver have been going. The an infection went to my mind,” says Rodriguez.

Medical tourism is a booming enterprise in Mexico. Every 12 months, greater than 1 million Americans cross the border to save lots of as much as 70% on elective procedures. According to Patients Beyond Borders, the commonest procedures are dental work and beauty and weight-loss surgical procedures. Patients Beyond Borders writes a information to worldwide medical journey.

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Medical professionals strolling on a road in Mexico. (Justine Rodriguez)

“In Mexico, there’s much less laws. So you could do your homework,” mentioned Josef Woodman, the CEO of Patients Beyond Borders.

As was seen this month in Matamoros, Mexico, crossing the border may be lethal.

“We obtained used to sufferers being just about 100% secure once they crossed the border, even into harmful territories,” says Woodman.

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Medical process going down in Tijuana, Mexico. (Justine Rodriguez)

But, so long as it’s cheaper south of the border, Americans will take the danger.

“The cash isn’t value it. It’s not value your life,” Rodriguez mentioned.

As officers warn of cartel violence simply over the border, the CDC is reminding Americans of the dangers with medical tourism, stating that the requirements at clinics out of nation are completely different than within the U.S.

The CDC has additionally launched alerts after discovering a number of sufferers who contracted severe infections linked to clinics in Mexico which are proof against antibiotics.