By Belize Live News Staff: BELIZE CITY, Belize, September 13, 2026: A Belize businessman is calling for improvements to the country’s emergency medical response system after saying his nephew had to travel to Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala, to receive urgent medical attention.
Fernando A. Boteo raised the concern in a social media post, writing that “Belize is not ready for an emergency.”
According to Boteo, he contacted doctors and emergency services while trying to secure immediate assistance for his nephew, but none of the services he reached were available to help right away.
He said the family eventually had to take his nephew across the border to Melchor to obtain the medical attention he needed.
Boteo said the issue is not about blaming individuals, but about the need for a stronger emergency response system.
He called for better emergency services, improved availability and a system that is prepared when lives are on the line.
“We should never have to leave our country to find emergency medical care when someone needs help right now,” he wrote.
The post has sparked discussion about Belize’s emergency preparedness and access to urgent medical care.
