Thursday, June 12, 2025

1 patient dead, 67 poisoned by contaminated medication in Tabasco

At least one person is dead and 25 more are in the hospital after they were given contaminated medication while undergoing dialysis treatment at the Pemex Regional Hospital in Villahermosa, Tabasco.

The state oil company said in a statement that a total of 67 people became ill after they were given sodium heparin, a blood thinning drug. Six of those hospitalized are in serious condition, Pemex said.

The statement said that health authorities ordered the disposal of the tainted batch of medication and that a complaint has been filed against those responsible for the contamination. Pemex accused the manufacturer of the medication, which it didn’t name, of delivering heparin that was contaminated with bacteria.

While the state oil company has announced only one death, the newspaper El Heraldo de Tabasco reported that, according to family members of those poisoned, nine people have died, including one person who passed away on Monday. They also say that hospital management has failed to provide clear information to them about the condition of their loved ones.

Dora Elena Alvarez Morales, whose 80-year-old husband is hospitalized, called on President López Obrador to intervene to ensure that family members are properly informed. Without mentioning a specific number, she said that “several people” have died.

Other family members complained about other shortcomings at the hospital, such as a lack of medications and poor hygiene.

The newspaper El Financiero reported that some relatives had photos that showed buckets catching water that was leaking into the area where patients received dialysis. It also said that photos showed that equipment used to draw patients’ blood had not been maintained.

Source: El Financiero (sp), El Heraldo de Tabasco (sp) 

UPDATE: One more death was reported on March 3.

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
Men deboard a Global X airplane as Mexican airport workers and immigration agents stand by

Support for deported Mexicans goes unused as the US sends returnees elsewhere

0
Foreseeing a spike in deportations, the administration launched a support program, including job placement. As of May only 4% of returnees have benefited.

Who is Hugo Aguilar, Mexico’s first elected Supreme Court President?

0
An Indigenous leader with rebel ties has been elected President of Mexico's Supreme Court. Who is Hugo Aguilar and why is he controversial?
The peso is enjoying a sustained streak of gains on the US dollar, but it may reverse course as USMCA discussions begin toward the end of 2025.

Peso appreciates to strongest exchange rate in 10 months

0
The peso has traded between 18.82 and 18.92 to the dollar today on speculation that the United States could soon exempt Mexican steel and aluminum from its 50% tariff.