Care when there is no cure

Every year, tens of thousands of people in Mexico develop debilitating symptoms, such as pain, breathlessness and anxiety, due to cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other life-threatening health conditions. Although Mexico's health law grants these people a right to palliative care, only a few dozen public healthcare institutions across the country actually offer this health service. Most healthcare personnel have received no training in the discipline, and few doctors are licensed to prescribe strong pain medicines that are essential for palliative care. Consequently, many patients cannot realize their legal right to adequate treatment and face great and unnecessary suffering. "Care When There Is No Cure" identifies the challenges people with life-limiting illnesses in Mexico face accessing palliative care, with a special focus on access to pain treatment. It analyzes current policies in the areas of healthcare, health insurance, training of healthcare providers and medicine availability in light of Mexico's international and national legal obligations. The report urges the Mexican government to fully integrate palliative care into the public healthcare system, ensuring that this health service. --