We express the demand for urgent responses to transplant recipients and patients with hemodialysis needs left unable to adequately circulate throughout the state of Merida due to fuel not being supplied to gas stations.
We note with great concern that fuel shortages in the state of Merida have reached a point never seen before. With the onset of COVID19, fuel supply was suspended and apparently reserved for certain health priorities. Theoretically, these priorities took into account transplant recipients and patients with dialysis needs, which amount to 300 people in the metropolitan area of Merida, El Vigía, and Tovar. However, not all of them are benefiting from the supply of fuel, even if they own a car. Besides, we have not heard of answers to those who need to travel from other municipalities by public transport.
On the other hand, these patients are considered a risk group due to their immunological status. Therefore, measures must be adequate for the protection of their lives.
We consider it important that the competent authorities urgently resume the supply of immunosuppressants for transplant recipients. We know that at least 28 transplant patients in Mérida have now spent 8 months without receiving Tacrolimus, a medication they need to take constantly to prevent transplant rejection.
It is important to highlight that the health situation faced by transplant recipients, people with dialysis needs, and deceased patients has been determined by the prolonged and sustained shortage of treatments, sanitary conditions, and inconveniences directly derived from the Complex Humanitarian Emergency.
Since 2018, we have required representatives of the state Government to declare Merida in an emergency, which only happened due to the COVID 19 outbreak without any notable changes in our already complicated situation.
Mérida, March 30, 2020.
