After complaints from patients, the Puebla Health Secretariat closed the Neuropsychology: Clinic Marilyn Cote establishment, which was located in the Angelópolis Medical Towers. He also canceled advertising for the business.
The @FiscaliaPuebla investigates Marilyn N. for threats against a person whom she allegedly pointed a firearm at. Additionally, in follow-up to the investigation for usurpation of profession, professional licenses and documents were seized during the search of an office. pic.twitter.com/TKNARenNEI
— FGE Puebla (@FiscaliaPuebla)
November 29, 2024
But before this suspension, that medical office operated for at least five years, without notice of operation, without health registration and without academic certification of the staff. Health authorities never verified that Cote met the minimum requirements to practice.
Cofepris reduces health verifications
Psychiatrist Jorge Gutiérrez explains that there are gaps in Mexico’s health legislation that allow false doctors, or charlatans, to practice with impunity.
Although the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) is responsible for regulating and monitoring that medical establishments, drugs and these health supplies operate or are marketed in compliance with regulations, it does not have an impact beyond the closure of consultations or the imposition of fines.
“Cofepris has no teeth against charlatans,” says the psychiatrist.
Added to this is that the health authority decreased health verification visits in the last six years. According to official data, Cofepris made 2,223 visits to health facilities in 2013. Of that universe, the majority of visits were made to vaccine and condom production facilities, pharmacies and drug manufacturing laboratories.
