Mexico Medical Outreach

Mexico offers universal health care to its citizens, but despite this provision good medical services can be hard to find, particularly in the remote, rural areas that house vast numbers of the indigenous population. Corruption within the health industry is also a problem; in 1996 the government arrested the former treasurer of its social security institution, alleging that he had stolen $150 million in public health funds. In larger cities, good care is available, and some North Americans travel South for the less expensive options, like pharmaceuticals and dental care, available just across the border. The organizations below target Mexico’s disadvantaged for their help.

Child Family Health International, 995 Market St., Ste. 1104, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA (☎415-957-9000; www.cfhi.org). Sends pre-med and medical students to work with physicians in the developing world. Focuses on working with communities and local organizations as well as learning about health care distribution rather than actually providing medical assistance. Volunteers can also participate in Spanish language classes and homestays. Program fees are around US$2000, not including airfare.
Mar de Jade, PMB 078-344, 827 Union Pacific, Laredo, TX 78045, USA (☎800-257-0532; www.mardejade.com). Accepts volunteers, medical students, and professionals for 2-3 weeks of clinical assistance and Spanish classes. Organized by a resort on Mexico’s Pacific coast, the accommodations range from private suites to guest houses.
Projects Abroad, 347 West 36th St. Ste. 903, New York, NY 10018, USA (☎888-839-3535; www.projects-abroad.org). Accepts pre-med and medical students for 1- to 4-month stints volunteering in local hospitals. Run out of Guadalajara. Tuition starts at US$2595 for the first month and includes meals and homestay. Other projects include journalism and conservation.