Introduction

Although there have been significant improvement in the provision of basic health care in Baja California Sur, more needs to be done to meet residents’ ongoing preventative, emergency, and acute healthcare needs.  Luckily, most residents have access to basic healthcare; only 3.8% of the population, located mainly in rural areas, is without regular access to health services[1]. The state’s health system is comprised of medical institutions supported by the federal and state governments, and private institutions.  These offer health care at three levels: primary care (initial consultation and preventative medicine); secondary level of care (consultation and diagnosis with a specialist); and tertiary care (medical intervention).

According to the National Population Council, Baja California Sur has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in Mexico (13.95 in 2002) and life expectancy is 75.89 years. The universal vaccination program covers 99.5% of the population between one and five years of age.  Prenatal and obstetric healthcare coverage is at a rate of 99%, which is much higher than the national average of 85%.  Since 1998, Baja Sur has consistently ranked highly in national indicators of health infrastructure and available human resources; the state ranks first nationwide in number of consultations and available facilities, and second in hospital occupancy, behind the Distrito Federal (Federal District of Mexico City).[2]

As income and quality of life in the state rise, other health issues are emerging.  A lack of education about nutrition and exercise have led to problems associated with obesity, with types 1 and 2 diabetes becoming the third highest cause of death in the state.  Lack of attention to the diabetes problem has also led to kidney problems throughout the state, including kidney stones and kidney failure. Teen pregnancy, alcoholism and drug addiction among youth, chronic degenerative diseases among senior citizens, and the lack of attention to the disabled community are recurring health challenges for Baja California Sur.   While still low in absolute terms, Baja California Sur had Mexico’s largest net percentage increase in homicides between 1998 and 2003 according to Mexico’s Secretariat of Health.[3]

The incidence of cancer in Baja California Sur is also on the rise.   In 2003, the Baja California Sur had the highest mortality rate related to lung cancer in Mexico among men; for the female population, the state was well above the national average.[4]  Baja California Sur’s mortality rate among women with breast cancer was also well above the national average, with the state ranking second in documented cases behind Mexico City.[5]

Source:  State Government of BCS, V Informe de Gobierno 2003-2004, Lic. Leonel Cota Montaño p. 33