02 Jan 2002
A medical hotline assists thousands in the city. File photo, TheNewsMexico.com Medical hotline reaches many in Mexico City Blanca Robleda, The News Staff - 1/2/2002 Who do you turn to when a medical emergency arises at home? Or when you need information on a specific drug or disease? Or when you want to know the foods that contain any given vitamin? By dialing Mexico City 56-58-11-11, the Servicio Publico de Localizacion Telefonica, better known as Locatel, you can get this type of information. "We offer guidance and support on medical issues, in emergency situations and on nutrition," said Wilfredo Qui�ones, coordinator of Locatel's medical services and Nutritel. Locatel, a service that depends on funding from the Secretaria de Desarrollo Social of the Federal District Department, began operations in 1979. It began by helping people search for missing persons and stolen cars and then extended its services as a way to respond to other requests made by clients. Launched in 1984, Locatel's Medical Services was an attempt to fulfill demands by those who wanted to know how to deal with intoxicated people who had abused drugs or alcohol, or those who had suffered accidents or bites. Soon after the 1985 earthquakes, calls requesting information on more varied health issues began to be received. "Today, we offer the toxicology service and medical guidance on any health related aspect," said Qui�ones. In the case of a medical emergency, people are prompted to call Locatel and let the operator know for the call to be transferred to any of the five emergency extensions in the medical services. The doctor calls the Red Cross or the 080 emergency number requesting an ambulance if required and stays on line until the ambulance reaches the scene. And while Locatel's services are targeted at the general public, needy people seem to be the ones who call more often requesting the medical services. Qui�ones says it is because they lack information on how to prevent or deal with health problems. He also attributes this to the generally poor attention people get from doctors. People also find it easier to pick up the phone and try to get help before going to the doctor. "But we do not want to encourage that because we do not attempt to replace the personal attention (a doctor can offer,)" he said. Although calls are received 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the 14 general health care physicians who work five shifts to answer calls can only attend some 550 calls of the 800 that are received a day. Qui�ones stressed they are understaffed. "If people have doubts about health issues, they should call us but with the inconvenience that they might have to wait on line for some time," said Qui�ones. In trying to satisfy requests for nutritional recipes, Nutritel was kicked off two years ago. Some 60 calls per day are responded by two experts who have managed to put together some 300 nutritional, balanced and inexpensive recipes. But the service they offer goes beyond that. They offer information and guidance on any nutritional aspect. "It is still a young program and has not received the promotion it should," he said. The staff at both the medical services and Nutritel are constantly being trained, said Qui�ones and added they are looking for ways to be able to upgrade their service and be able to answer all the calls that flood in every day. Printer Friendly Send this page to a friend RELATED NEW