Guatemalan Congressman Exposes Healthcare Inequality at IGSS

Guatemalan Congressman Exposes Healthcare Inequality at IGSS Guatemala City – A recent video by Congressman Cristian Álvarez GT has brought to light the issue of unequal access to healthcare at the Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS). The video shows Álvarez visiting a kidney transplant patient who was denied essential medication because his treatment wasn't covered by the IGSS. The patient's distress is palpable in the video. "They won't give him his medicine because it's not covered," Álvarez states in the video, visibly frustrated. He then engages in a conversation with hospital staff, questioning their policies. A hospital administrator explains that the medication is only available for patients covered by the IGSS, due to budgetary constraints and procurement processes. Álvarez counters that this creates a two-tiered system, leaving vulnerable patients without necessary care. The video has garnered significant attention online, accumulating over 20,000 views in less than 24 hours. This highlights the public's concern about healthcare disparities in Guatemala. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for improvements to the country's healthcare system to ensure equitable access to essential medications for all citizens. Congressman Álvarez has promised to take further action to address the issue.