Motorcycle crash victim trapped in failing hospital care after hit-and-run

José Enrique Mendoza Bautista, a 39-year-old man from Oaxaca, has faced months of medical struggles after a severe motorcycle accident. His injuries, initially treated at a private clinic, later worsened due to infection and alleged negligence at a public hospital. Now, he remains hospitalised while seeking a transfer for better care.

The accident occurred on February 19, 2025, along Federal Highway 190 near Tlacolula de Matamoros. An ambulance struck José’s motorcycle and fled without stopping, its lights and siren never activated. He suffered an open fracture in his left tibia and fibula.

Eight days later, he underwent surgery at a private clinic. But by May, his leg developed a serious infection. With no other options, José purchased voluntary IMSS insurance to access treatment at Regional General Hospital No. 1 in Oaxaca City. On July 20, 2025, doctors performed surgical debridement and fitted him with external fixators. However, repeated surgeries have left his leg skin dangerously thin. Heavy antibiotic use has also damaged his kidneys and liver, forcing him onto dialysis. Despite his deteriorating condition, José’s requests for a transfer to a third-level IMSS hospital in Puebla or Mexico City have been denied. He claims hospital administrators have ignored both his pleas and supporting doctors’ advice, leaving him stranded in Oaxaca.

José remains at Regional General Hospital No. 1, where his health continues to decline. His case highlights delays in specialised care and unresolved issues with his initial treatment. Without a transfer, his options for recovery stay limited.