Mexican Families Protest Lack of Cancer Meds for Kids

Aguascalientes, Mexico — Nearly 20 people, including minors, gathered at the Jardín de los Palacios, the plaza behind the government and municipal palaces in the capital, to demand the availability of cancer medications at clinics operated by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). The protest was organized by the civil society group Nariz Roja, with parents and relatives of children battling the disease raising their voices.

Desperate Pleas for Treatment

Patricia, a mother participating in the demonstration, stated, “We have many little patients who are dying because there are no platelets, no medications. That’s why we are speaking up—so children can continue their treatments. There are no chemotherapies. Our voice is for all the children. We’ve raised our concerns, but so far, no one has responded. The answer is always the same: ‘There’s nothing, nothing.'”

Another mother, Irene, added, “We invite officials to come and see for themselves that there are no medicines. We’re asking all levels of government for help. At IMSS Clinic 3 in Jesús María alone, there are 50 children whose parents—like us—cannot afford to pay for private treatment. A single vial costs 350 pesos out of pocket, and we need one daily. The IMSS doesn’t have them.”

Marcela, visibly emotional, said, “We’re searching and pleading for support because our children are dying. We need these medications in IMSS hospitals, but we know the ISSSTE [another public health system] doesn’t have them either. Our wages and our spouses’ salaries are deducted for healthcare, yet doctors tell us to buy the medicines privately because the clinics don’t have them.”

The protest remained peaceful, with chants of “We want medicines!” and signs drawing attention from passersby, some of whom donated coins in solidarity.

Calls for Federal Action in Nayarit

In Tepic, Nayarit, members of the Nariz Roja Foundation marched from La Hermana Agua to the Benito Juárez Plaza in front of the state government palace. Though turnout was low, participants emphasized the urgency of securing a steady supply of cancer treatments for both children and adults.

Daniela Parra, a 15-year member of the foundation, explained that stuffed animals carried by protesters symbolized warmth, empathy, and resilience. “We want patients to know we stand with them,” she said. Demonstrators called on the federal government to ensure adequate medical care for cancer patients.

Guanajuato Protests Highlight Medication Shortages

For the second consecutive day, Guanajuato saw marches protesting the lack of cancer drugs for children. Demonstrations took place in Salamanca on Saturday and León on Sunday, with crowds chanting, “IMSS-Bienestar, national fraud!” and “We want medicine!”

Protesters demanded access to essential drugs, including cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, carboplatin, vincristine, etoposide, asparaginase, and methotrexate. In León, parents gathered at the Arco de la Calzada, marched along Madero Street, and rallied in the main square, directing their demands at the administration of Claudia Sheinbaum.

“Where are the medicines you promised us?” shouted parents of children with cancer.

Despite Guanajuato’s health system not being part of IMSS-Bienestar, state Health Secretary Gabriel Cortés issued a statement asserting that the General Hospital of León guarantees care for pediatric, adolescent, and adult cancer patients, while Celaya’s hospital serves only children.

Cortés reported that in 2024, the pediatric oncology unit treated 90 childhood cancer cases, 230 breast cancer cases, and 71 cervical cancer cases. He credited the state’s non-participation in IMSS-Bienestar for preserving “comprehensive care strategies.”

Silent Tribute in Cancún

In Cancún, dozens marched to protest medication shortages for children with cancer. Dressed in white and carrying stuffed toys, demonstrators walked from the Glorieta del Cebiche along Avenida Tulum to the Plaza de La Reforma.

After chanting, “We want medicines! We want chemotherapy!” the group observed a minute of silence for children who had died due to treatment shortages. Attendees criticized the high cost of oncology drugs, which remain inaccessible without public health coverage.

Protesters placed stuffed animals near the iconic “CANCÚN” sign before dispersing.