This Friday, the body of Aylin Milagros, an eight-year-old girl, is finally being cared for by her family and will be buried after being detained at the Puerta de Hierro Hospital in Tepic, which demanded a payment guarantee of one million 519 thousand 409.87 pesos for the medical care received.
Irma Lidia Rivera Ramos, the girl’s mother, explained that her daughter stayed for 10 days in that private hospital due to complications from dengue, even though she had initially gone to IMSS Clinic 1.
After the girl passed away, the private hospital cashier informed her that unless she covered the amount exceeding one and a half million pesos, they would not release the body or the death certificate.
That’s why she turned to the media this Thursday, to highlight the conditions and seek assistance in raising the funds or the intervention of authorities.
In an interview for ‘Aristegui News’, Irma Lidia Rivera stated that she reached an agreement with the hospital, which provided her with her daughter’s body early in the morning, but has yet to propose a financial plan to settle the bill.
Photo: Irma Lidia Rivera
“We still haven’t reached an agreement; they said they would present me with a proposal to settle the hospital bill (…) which I was assured after all this happened. They were going to present me with a proposal (…) because upon making my case known, my sister received a call telling her we should go pick up the certificate and the girl’s body.”
Irma mentioned that they demanded payment of at least 80% of the total bill, but she proposed paying in installments, which the hospital authorities refused.
“I told them it’s incredibly difficult for me to raise that total amount; we are trying our best to cover the cost. I told them, at no time did I refuse to pay, but it is impossible, and that person told me they would check if they needed a signature from me.”
Delayed Medical Service
Aylin was admitted to Puerta de Hierro Hospital on August 5, after being treated at IMSS Clinic 1, where they were initially unable to provide the necessary care due to the severity of her condition. She needed to be transferred to Guadalajara, but there were no available spaces to attend to her.
“I did it out of desperation to save my daughter and took her to that hospital because they said it was very good, but nothing could be done.”
Aylin remained hospitalized for ten days, during which her condition worsened. Although the doctors managed to stabilize her several times, she ultimately suffered irreversible brain damage and died.
Despite the body being delivered, the debt continues to be a concern for the family, which is why they are asking for support through social media to cover medical expenses.
Photo: Canva
“I continue to ask citizens to be supportive as they have been, with whatever they can. One peso, 50 cents, I will appreciate it because the truth is, I still do not know what the hospital bill will end up being,” she said.
So far, in addition to the Prosecutor’s Office, where the woman filed a complaint, several individuals and authorities, including the governor, have contacted Rivera to offer assistance.
“What I want is to get through this, and then we will see how we will arrange things,” concluded Rivera, stating that for now, they want to focus on saying their final goodbye to their daughter.
This Friday, Aylin Milagros, an eight-year-old girl, will finally rest as her family gathers to say their final goodbyes. After a tragic series of events, including a stay at the Puerta de Hierro Hospital in Tepic, Aylin’s remains are being returned to her family following a costly medical ordeal. The hospital had initially demanded a staggering 1,519,409.87 Mexican pesos as payment for the medical care provided during her stay.
Tragic Circumstances of Aylin’s Illness
Aylin’s health crisis began with complications from dengue fever. Her mother, Irma Lidia Rivera Ramos, explained that Aylin was initially treated at the IMSS Clinic 1. However, due to the severity of her condition, she had to be transferred to the private Puerta de Hierro Hospital on August 5. Unfortunately, the hospital failed to provide timely and adequate medical care, leading to further complications that ultimately proved fatal.
Initial Treatment and Transfer
- Aylin was admitted to IMSS clinic 1 but could not receive the necessary care.
- She was transferred to Puerta de Hierro Hospital in Guadalajara due to increasing severity.
- The hospital faced a lack of available space, which delayed critical treatment.
Despite her mother seeking help out of desperation, trusting in the hospital’s reputation, Aylin underwent ten days of treatment yet suffered irreversible brain damage, leading to her untimely death.
Hospital Demand for Payment
After Aylin’s passing, Rivera faced an unimaginable dilemma. The hospital’s cashier informed her that without payment of the full amount, they would not release her daughter’s body or issue a death certificate. This shocking requirement brought Rivera to the media’s attention this Thursday, where she sought assistance to cover the daunting medical bill.
Negotiations and Agreements
In an interview with ‘Aristegui News’, Rivera shared the emotional turmoil of trying to negotiate with the hospital staff. She stated:
“I told him it is very difficult for me to raise that amount… I will be paying, but it is impossible.”
After drawing public attention to the case, an agreement was reached, and the hospital returned Aylin’s body early in the morning. Nonetheless, the financial burden looms over the family as they await a formal proposal for settling the remaining medical bills.
A Call for Help
Despite receiving the body, Rivera expressed her concern regarding the unresolved hospital debt. She continues to reach out through social media platforms to gather support and assistance. In her pleas, she highlighted the overwhelming weight of the bills and the uncertainty of the total amount due.
Community Support and Response
- Rivera asked citizens to contribute whatever they could—down to one peso or 50 cents.
- The response from the community has been touching, with many stepping up to offer emotional and financial support.
- Authorities and the local governor have also reached out to help the grieving family.
Despite the adversity, Rivera remains hopeful as she navigates this challenging period, focusing on saying her last goodbye to her beloved daughter.
Delays in Medical Care
The situation raises concerns about the efficiency of medical services in emergency cases. Parents like Rivera are often left helpless when facing delayed treatment leading to fatal outcomes. Aylin’s case serves as a reminder of the critical need for timely medical attention and reforms in healthcare accessibility.
What Can Be Improved?
- Streamlined Medical Transfers: Hospitals must ensure timely transfers between facilities when a patient requires urgent care.
- Transparent Billing Practices: Transparency about costs should be provided upfront to avoid families facing additional stress during medical crises.
- Public Health Initiatives: Education regarding diseases like dengue should be prioritized to promote prevention.
Understanding Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates. Symptoms can escalate quickly, leading to severe health issues if not treated promptly. Here’s what you need to know:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| High Fever | Often sudden and can exceed 39.5°C (103°F). |
| Severe Headache | Pain behind the eyes that may persist. |
| Joint and Muscle Pain | Commonly referred to as “breakbone fever”. |
| Nausea/Vomiting | May occur as the disease progresses. |
| Rash | Can appear a few days after fever begins. |
Taking preventive measures to minimize mosquito bites is essential in areas where dengue fever is prevalent. Families should remain vigilant to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.
Emotional Toll on the Family
The emotional impact of losing a child is profound and long-lasting. Rivera’s experience highlights not only the grief of losing Aylin but the stress of navigating financial and legal issues in the wake of her death. It illustrates an urgent need for compassionate protocols that protect bereaved families from additional burdens during their time of loss.
Recommendations for Families in Crisis
- Seek Immediate Support: Reach out to local organizations for assistance with medical bills.
- Document Everything: Keep all records of hospital interactions and patient care.
- Utilize Social Media: Raise awareness and gather community support for your situation.
In the face of adversity, community bonds can provide essential support, helping families endure overwhelming challenges and loss. Aylin’s story serves not only as a heartfelt reminder of the fragility of life but also as a call to action for better healthcare systems and compassionate patient advocacy.