Medical equipment conditions for underserved rural hospitals in Chihuahua, Mexico

This work presents the actual condition of medical equipment in rural areas of Mexico´s largest state, Chihuahua. Interviews and visits were conducted with medical and administrative personnel in two rural hospitals that mostly serve the Tarahumara indigenous community. The interviews were conducted to gain a better understanding of the conditions of the clinics and identify areas of opportunity to improve healthcare in that region. Programs to support rural hospitals by providing maintenance to medical equipment are currently being developed. Future work will include personnel training programs on how to manage medical equipment with the purpose of improving rural hospital conditions and health outcomes for indigenous communities.