FGR is prosecuting former IMSS officials over ABC case

A group of doctors affiliated with the Instituto de Seguridad Social para Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE) in Baja California Sur gathered outside the offices of the Federal Attorney General's Office (FGR) in La Paz this Thursday to voice concerns over alleged irregularities in a criminal investigation linked to the death of a patient who had contracted COVID-19 in 2021. The doctors expressed their fear that ten of their colleagues might face formal charges in connection with the case. Their demonstration included signs bearing messages such as “We are doctors, not murderers” and “No to the criminalization of healthcare workers.” They requested the intervention of Arturo Velasco Ponce, the new head of the FGR in the region, to review the integration of the investigative file, which has led to accusations of negligent homicide.

During the public demonstration, Dr. Jorge Rodolfo Ramos, a general physician, stated that the individuals involved have a scheduled court hearing this Saturday and expressed concern about the potential progression of the legal process against them. Dr. Edwin Osuna Beltrán, an internal medicine specialist, explained during the protest that the patient’s death occurred during the first wave of the pandemic in 2021, a time marked by significant deficiencies and limited knowledge about the disease. He emphasized that medical professionals were working under challenging conditions with scarce resources and incomplete understanding of the virus.

The health professionals argued that the investigation contains several irregularities and accused authorities of creating obstacles for accessing crucial information within the case file. According to them, it took six months just to obtain access to the file, a delay they believe undermines their right to a fair defense. Accompanied by fellow colleagues and family members, the doctors highlighted concerns about possible conflicts of interest within the investigation. They claimed that the person driving the inquiry previously held leadership roles within the local FGR until recently.

The doctors also questioned why the case file is stored in San José del Cabo instead of La Paz, where the incident occurred and where the hospital treating the patient is located. They insisted that the patient arrived at the hospital after having been ill for ten days and that the care provided was conducted ethically, sensitively, and using the available resources and scientific knowledge at the time. They pointed out that there are existing medical reports and resolutions supporting their stance.

The case dates back to April 2021, one of the most critical phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Doctors described how healthcare workers faced extremely difficult situations, often lacking necessary supplies and exposing themselves to risks while trying to save lives. They feel it is unjust that now they are being targeted through legal means, with allegations that could tarnish their professional integrity and reputation. One of the physicians, Roberto Baez Angulo, criticized the use of influence and power dynamics in the ongoing legal proceedings, stating that these actions are not only unfair but also deeply humiliating.

The doctors continue to emphasize that the circumstances surrounding the patient’s death must be viewed in the broader context of the global crisis caused by the pandemic. They argue that the challenges faced by medical personnel during this period should be acknowledged and considered when evaluating the current legal actions against them. They remain committed to defending their rights and ensuring that the truth about the situation is fully understood and recognized.