Matamoros kidnappings put a spotlight on medical tourism
(washingtonpost.com).- The kidnapping of four Americans who reportedly traveled to Mexico so one could undergo a “tummy tuck” has cast a spotlight on the booming medical-tourism business south of the U.S. border, where dental procedures, cosmetic surgeries, fertility treatments, and even veterinary care are typically cheaper than those in the United States.
The attack in Matamoros on Friday, which resulted in two deaths and was described by the medical tourism industry as a rare incident of violence, has not appeared to deter American patients, according to Mexican tourism officials, travel agencies and medical providers.
Before sunrise Wednesday, Evelyn Ballard walked across the bridge from Brownsville, Tex., to Matamoros, where she was scheduled for liposuction.
News of the deaths made her nervous, she said, but she was reluctant to cancel her appointment. She said she is saving about $1,000 by getting the procedure done in Mexico, even after factoring in the costs of hotel and airfare from her hometown of Houma, La. She had already paid the cost of the surgery and did not want to risk losing her money.
“We took precautions before we actually came, getting rid of a lot of things that could be hijacked or even cost us our lives,” said Ballard, who left her jewelry behind.
Alfredo Pedraza, the president of the Health Tourism Committee of Matamoros, called the attack on the Americans “an isolated case” that he hoped would not damage the region’s health industry.
He works in one of the “health clusters” that have become popular along the Mexican border; his includes two hospitals and numerous doctor’s and dentist’s offices, labs and other services. For enhanced security, the cluster offers a free shuttle for patients crossing the Texas border. But, Pedraza noted, many Americans arrive in Matamoros by private car so they can also shop and dine at restaurants.
TYT Newsroom
