The high cost of health: Diseases that challenge economies and hopes

In a world where health has become a luxury good, certain diseases test not only human strength but also the economic capacity of individuals and nations. The battle against conditions such as COVID-19, cancer and hematological disorders is not only fought in hospitals and laboratories, but also on the cold tables of personal finances.

COVID-19:

The pandemic that emptied pockets COVID-19, a disease that burst into our lives like a thief in the night, has left a trail of human and economic losses. In Mexico, the cost of treating this disease can reach up to $880 thousand pesos, a figure that exceeds the imagination and capacity of many families.

Cancer:

The unequal fight Cancer, that word that resonates with an echo of fear in every corner of the planet, not only steals health, but also prosperity. With treatments that cost around $311,000 pesos, it represents an overwhelming financial burden for those who face the disease with fewer resources.

Hematology:

When blood is more expensive than gold Hematological disorders, which include a wide range of blood diseases, require treatments whose cost exceeds $312 thousand pesos. These figures are a reminder that sometimes life has a price that many cannot afford.

Pathologies with more expensive treatments present a challenge for both health systems and patients and their families. Here are some specific examples:

• Stroke: In Mexico, the treatment of a stroke can reach 2,827 million pesos.
• Polytrauma due to Accident: The costs associated with severe polytrauma can amount to 2,416 million pesos.
• Breast Cancer: Treatment for breast cancer can cost up to 2,121 million pesos.
• Acute Myocardial Infarction: The cost of treating an acute myocardial infarction can be approximately 1,198 million pesos.
• Immunological Diseases: Some immunological diseases have treatments that average 4.2 million pesos.
• Cancer and Tumors: Treatments for cancer and tumors can cost up to 2.68 million pesos.

Paying for expensive medical treatments is a considerable challenge for many people. Here are some strategies that can be used to manage these expenses:

• Medical Insurance: It is essential to have medical insurance that covers a significant portion of the treatment costs. It is important to understand the benefits and limitations of coverage.
• Payment Plans: Many medical institutions offer payment plans to spread the cost of treatment over time, making it more manageable.
• Financial Assistance: There are financial assistance programs and charities that can help cover some of the costs for those who qualify.
• Clinical Studies: Participating in clinical studies can be an option to access treatments that would otherwise be unaffordable.
• Rate Negotiation: Some patients are able to negotiate reduced rates directly with healthcare providers and hospitals.
• Government Assistance: Government programs such as Medicare in some countries may offer help paying for medical expenses if certain conditions are met.

An Uncertain Future While medical advances promise new hope, economic realities raise difficult questions. How to balance the balance between innovation and accessibility? How to ensure that health is not just a privilege of the rich?

In this context, inequality in access to treatments becomes a reflection of the inequalities of our world. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimate that by 2040 more than 70% of cancer deaths will occur in low- and middle-income nations.
A call to action The numbers are clear and the message is urgent: it is imperative to work towards a global health system that is inclusive and fair. Health should not be a luxury item, but a fundamental human right. Only then can we say that we have moved forward as a society.