Reporter: Adda Avendaño and Mónica Valladolid / Photographer: Javier González
At the 2026 Health Fair, organized by the Secretariat of Educational Services, lectures and a wide range of health services were offered to the community.
The health risks associated with fentanyl use are extremely serious, ranging from confusion, muscle pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, chills, and permanent hallucinations to death caused by cardiorespiratory arrest, even after a first-time use, warned Dr. Elizabeth Karina Piña Morán, member of the Medical Services Department of the Directorate of Student Support (DAES) at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN).
During the lecture “Effects of Fentanyl on the Body,” presented as part of the 2026 Health Fair at the National Library of Science and Technology, Víctor Bravo Ahuja, Dr. Piña Morán explained that this synthetic drug was originally developed in 2012 for therapeutic purposes, mainly to treat severe pain such as that caused by cancer. However, its illegal use increased dramatically in 2022, when clandestine production expanded without sanitary controls and using rudimentary chemical precursors to maximize profits.
“Just two milligrams — equivalent to about 15 small grains of table salt — are enough to suppress the brainstem’s automatic signals that trigger breathing permanently. This can severely reduce respiration, cause irreversible asphyxiation in an average adult, and induce coma or death,” warned Dr. Piña.
She added that fentanyl is consumed in multiple forms. In Mexico, it can be found as injections, tablets, or patches, but it is also commonly mixed into counterfeit prescription pills — such as fake M30 tablets, powders, and other substances. Because it is odorless and tasteless, it can even be disguised as a conventional painkiller.
Given this situation, the DAES specialist encouraged attendees, most of whom were medical students, to seek information from medically supported and evidence-based sources to prevent fentanyl use and understand its severe consequences, including respiratory depression, cerebral hypoxia caused by oxygen deprivation, and serious psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, emotional instability, and destructive personality changes.
As part of the conference program, the lecture “Sexual and Gender Diversity” was delivered by Oyuki Martínez Colín, a specialist from the Transgender Unit of Mexico City Public Health Services.
Attendees, mainly medical students, received guidance on concepts such as gender identity, transsexuality, and inclusive language.
The speaker emphasized the importance of using inclusive language to ensure respectful treatment for all individuals, including members of the LGBT+ community. Students were also encouraged to act responsibly and compassionately as future public servants.
“It is important to apply best practices in patient care, to be empathetic, and to understand that people may be facing very different circumstances,” said Martínez, referring to individuals living in vulnerable economic conditions, neurodivergent people, persons with disabilities, or those living with HIV.
“You are the future healthcare professionals, and it is your responsibility to guarantee dignified treatment for everyone,” she concluded.
The 2026 Health Fair, held on May 19 and organized by the Secretariat of Educational Services (SSE) through DAES, featured a broad range of activities from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. These included glucose and blood pressure testing, body mass index assessments, visual acuity screenings, dental care services, hair donations for oncological wigs, and the installation of two mobile health units providing information on family planning methods.
The event also included lectures on sexually transmitted diseases, oral health, hearing disorders, and visual health, as well as the workshop “Comprehensive Health: Mind, Body, and Sustainable Habits,” held in the Main Auditorium, Alternate Auditorium, and Room A of the National Library of Science and Technology (BNCT) at the IPN.
INSTITUTO POLITÉCNICO NACIONAL
D.R. Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN). Av. Luis Enrique Erro S/N, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Zacatenco, Alcaldía Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07738, Ciudad de México. Conmutador: 55 57 29 60 00 / 55 57 29 63 00.
Esta página es una obra intelectual protegida por la Ley Federal del Derecho de Autor, puede ser reproducida con fines no lucrativos, siempre y cuando no se mutile, se cite la fuente completa y su dirección electrónica; su uso para otros fines, requiere autorización previa y por escrito de la Dirección General del Instituto.
