Quintana Roo has a shortage of pediatricians and specialists compared to the number of children in the state, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). This means that most children are treated by general practitioners for common illnesses.
According to the latest INEGI census, the child and adolescent population aged 0 to 17 exceeded 544,000 in 2020, representing a significant percentage of the state’s population.
The 0-11 age group comprises approximately 19.7% of the total population, according to recent data.
This figure contrasts sharply with the number of available specialists. The Quintana Roo College of Pediatricians reports just over 200 doctors, although this number may vary since not all specialists are affiliated with the college.
Dr. Alfonso Rodríguez Jaramillo, a member of the Quintana Roo College of Pediatrics and a member of the National Academy of Medicine, explained that in the last eight years, new specialists have arrived in the state, including endocrinologists, cardiologists, intensivists, gastroenterologists, and neurologists, primarily in Cancún.
Some work for the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), and others in the private sector.
Fewer than 250 pediatricians are registered in the state.
He specified that there are 49 registered pediatricians in Chetumal, a higher number in Cancún, and around 20 in Playa del Carmen.
Meanwhile, in municipalities like Felipe Carrillo Puerto and José María Morelos, care often depends on specialists who travel from other cities.
Rodríguez Jaramillo considered the number insufficient to meet current demand, although he noted that the 2026 state health policy anticipates growth in infrastructure and the hiring of medical personnel.
Currently, seven new hospitals are under construction in the state, including the General Hospitals of Chetumal, Cancún, and Felipe Carrillo Puerto, as well as an ISSSTE (Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers) unit, which will increase the need for specialists.
The specialist explained that a general pediatrician treats patients from birth to 17 years and 11 months.
Neonatologists, on the other hand, care for newborns up to 28 days old.
However, in institutional practice, children up to 16 years of age are treated.
The most frequent childhood illnesses depend on the season.
Gastrointestinal infections predominate during warmer months, while respiratory illnesses increase during colder months.
According to the president of the Quintana Roo Medical Association, Francisco Lara Uscanga, the most common illnesses in children from 0 to 13 years old are respiratory, digestive, and parasitic infections, as well as skin conditions and injuries from accidents.
Respiratory illnesses affect the airways, lungs, bronchi, nose, and throat, and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or conditions such as asthma.
Digestive illnesses include abdominal pain, constipation, and chronic diarrhea, often related to infections, food intolerances, or inadequate diets.
Parents indicate that their choice of medical care depends on the illness, frequently going to pharmacy clinics due to cost and speed.
In complex cases, they turn to private specialists or public institutions.
State Representative Jennifer Rubio Tello, president of the Health Committee of the State Congress, stated that efforts are underway to strengthen the health system and medical infrastructure in the state.
She acknowledged that it will be necessary to attract specialists from other parts of the country, as the number of medical graduates is insufficient to meet the current demand.
She also indicated that initiatives are being promoted to protect children’s health, especially regarding risks associated with unregulated cosmetic procedures.
Source: quintaroohoy
