PEMEX clarifies information published by Reforma and El Universal

Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) clarifies that the articles published this Monday in the newspapers Reforma and El Universal are false. They refer to alleged shortages of medical supplies and medicines; unmaintained "junk" facilities; lack of appropriate work clothes, footwear and personal protective equipment.

These articles lack journalistic rigor because in the article titled "Exhiben a Pemex con decadencias" (Pemex and its decadences exposed) of the Reforma newspaper, photographs are shown of the facilities of the supposed "Hospital de Coatzacoalcos", which has been in disuse for 10 years, while the clinic for the attention of beneficiaries is across the street, and the empty medicine shelves pictured are not up to date, either. Regarding the delivery of clothing and footwear to workers, the current provisioning process began at the end of 2021; due to the resistance of some union leaders to receive them, we have had delays in the delivery program that we estimate to conclude in the month of August.

Regarding supplies and medicines, PEMEX guarantees that its Health Services offer a complete medical attention and supply all necessary medicines to beneficiaries. The above, through direct delivery from PEMEX pharmacies, and in case there is no stock for hospital use, they are obtained from nearby pharmacies and are then provided; or else, through an alternative prescription so that the patient can buy them and later receive the corresponding reimbursement.

In addition, the aforementioned news outlet shows photographs of the engine room of the hospital in Paraíso, Tabasco, including the pumping equipment, which were taken before they received maintenance and do not correspond to the conditions in which they are currently found.

With regard to health services personnel, 95% of the current workforce is reported to be employed, and in accordance with the Mexican Government's policy on this matter, a process is underway to hire medical specialists. The clothing corresponding to this personnel, which had not been supplied for four years before the current administration began, is currently being delivered for the second time, so it is untrue that we do not stock the necessary clothing for the care of our workers.

On the subject of maintenance and rehabilitation of facilities, it is specified that in 2021 there was no decrease in the budget; on the contrary, by the end of that fiscal year more than 43 billion pesos had been invested, which is the highest budget for this area in the last five years. In addition, during the 2019-2021 period, 424 critical risks that could endanger people and facilities were addressed; by 2022, 237 critical risks are being addressed with a budget of almost 6 billion pesos. And in general, for maintenance and rehabilitation, there is a budget of 40 billion pesos.

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