As far as quality of care and level of expertise of the doctors, nurses and technicians here, just read the many letters to editors of Puerto Vallarta's English newspapers and you will find rave reviews of patient experiences. There are several first rate hospitals, all located no more than a 20 minute drive from downtown Vallarta, with easy access from Rivera Cuale. These hospitals feature state of the art equipment; ambulance service is staffed with professional EMTs as well.
Most amazing to visitors is that they can usually see a doctor the same day they call for an appointment, or if they need a specialist, no more than a day or two later. Most doctors here are bilingual and have done studies abroad in their specialty.
Some very significant health news today in Mexico is about a very important movement that began right here in Jalisco by a full-time resident. He was previously an aide to a US Senator before moving to Puerto Vallarta, where he owns and operates a small hotel. Being familiar with the ins and outs of legislation in Congress, he formed a group about two years ago to lobby the US Congress to do a pilot study with an eye to recognizing Medicare for Seniors in Mexico where the largest population of North American expats in the world now live. His premise is that the US government could save up to 30% of medical costs to Medicare for people using the system in Mexico. To date he has lobbied more than 100 legislators.
