On Monday, July 1, Secretary of Health Jorge Alcocer Varela delivered a lecture titled “The Mexican State’s Health Policy” at the National Defense College, outlining the primary actions undertaken to address the challenges of Mexicans’ right to health.
Alcocer Varela stated that upon assuming office, they encountered a deficient and fragmented health system closely tied to commercial interests. He emphasized that significant changes have occurred over the past six years, asserting, “We continue to work to eliminate inefficiency and, above all, inequality in health care.”
One of the most notable achievements of the current administration is the expanded access to health services for vulnerable populations living in marginalized areas. He recalled the necessity of reforming the General Health Law and eliminating Seguro Popular.
He highlighted present-day challenges that threaten human health, such as the climate crisis, infectious diseases, pandemic preparedness, ensuring a healthy diet for all, investing in health workers, safeguarding adolescents, employing new technologies to promote health with clinical judgment and outreach to families, as well as combating antimicrobial resistance, among others.
He acknowledged other challenges, including the care and treatment of tuberculosis, a marker of insufficient control over social determinants, and the protection of adolescent mental health, given that 7.6 percent of adolescents in 2022 reported having suicidal thoughts.
He pointed out that since 1980, there has been a transition from infectious diseases to chronic-degenerative diseases. In 2023, the leading causes of death in Mexico, in order of frequency, were heart disease, diabetes mellitus, malignant tumors, COVID-19, liver disease, cerebrovascular disease, accidents, homicides, influenza, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
He explained that, in accordance with presidential instructions, health services were federalized through the IMSS-Bienestar model to serve the uninsured population.
This model is centered on four key areas: infrastructure modernization and equipment upgrades for hospitals and health centers; a revised hiring scheme for medical and administrative personnel; increased drug supply levels; and improved working conditions for 87,000 workers hired during the pandemic, prioritizing seniority and job performance.
He stated that the current National Health System has three primary service providers: the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), the IMSS-Bienestar Health Services, and the Institute of Social Security and Services for State Workers (ISSSTE), all operating under the Ministry of Health as the governing body.
He emphasized that the Health Care Model for Well-being (MAS-Bienestar) benefits over 92 million individuals through the operation and service of 913 hospitals and 13,669 health centers across 23 federalized entities.
Regarding the La Clínica es Nuestra program, Alcocer Varela indicated that the main objective is to enhance the conditions of 11,947 IMSS-Bienestar health centers through rehabilitation, maintenance, and equipment upgrades.
He explained that, as of September 2023, 200 hospitals, out of the 327 health facilities abandoned by previous administrations, had been rehabilitated and rebuilt.
In conclusion, he addressed mental health care and addiction prevention, highlighting the creation of the National Commission for Mental Health and Addictions (Conasama) by decree. This reflects a paradigm shift, prioritizing mental health within the nation’s health policy.
Mexico’s Health Care Transformation: A Look at the Current State and Future Challenges
On Monday, July 1, Secretary of Health Jorge Alcocer Varela delivered a compelling lecture titled “The Mexican State’s Health Policy” at the National Defense College. This address provided a comprehensive overview of the Mexican government’s strategic actions to address the complex health challenges facing the nation.
A Shift Towards Equity and Efficiency
Alcocer Varela emphasized the significant transformation of the Mexican health system since the current administration took office. He highlighted the initial inadequacies and fragmentation of the system, marked by a heavy emphasis on private interests. “We continue to work to eradicate inefficiency and, above all, inequality in health care,” he stated, outlining the government’s unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable and accessible healthcare landscape for all Mexicans.
One of the most notable achievements has been the expansion of healthcare access for vulnerable populations residing in marginalized areas. Key strategies, such as the reform of the General Health Law and the dismantling of Seguro Popular, have played a crucial role in achieving this objective. This has brought healthcare services to a greater number of Mexicans who previously lacked access.
Addressing Emerging Health Challenges
While progress has been made, Alcocer Varela acknowledged several critical challenges that threaten human health, both within Mexico and on a global scale.
Challenges to Human Health in Mexico
- Climate Crisis: The changing climate poses a significant threat to human health. This includes the potential for more extreme weather events, disruptions in food security, and the spread of vector-borne diseases.
- Infectious Diseases: Infectious diseases remain a significant public health concern. The government is investing in robust surveillance systems to monitor and contain outbreaks.
- Pandemic Preparedness: Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the need for strengthened preparedness measures to respond effectively to future health emergencies.
- Food Security: Ensuring healthy and nutritious food accessibility for all Mexicans is a vital objective to promote public health.
- Investment in Healthcare Workers: Investing in the well-being and development of the healthcare workforce is crucial for a high-quality healthcare system.
- Adolescent Health: Protecting the mental and physical well-being of adolescents is essential, including addressing concerns such as mental health issues and substance abuse. In 2022, a concerning 7.6% of adolescents reported experiencing suicidal thoughts.
- Leveraging Technology: The government is exploring ways to utilize new technologies to enhance health outcomes while ensuring evidence-based decision-making and strengthening outreach to families.
- Antimicrobial Resistance: Combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance is a global priority, and Mexico is actively participating in international efforts to address this issue.
- Tuberculosis: The prevalence of tuberculosis serves as a marker for the lack of containment of social determinants of health. The government is working to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention programs for tuberculosis.
The Evolution of Health Care in Mexico: From Infectious to Chronic Diseases
Alcocer Varela highlighted a significant shift in disease patterns observed since 1980. The nation has transitioned from primarily infectious diseases to a predominance of chronic-degenerative diseases. Today, the leading causes of death in Mexico are:
Top Causes of Death in Mexico (2023)
| Rank | Cause of Death |
|---|---|
| 1 | Heart Disease |
| 2 | Diabetes Mellitus |
| 3 | Malignant Tumors |
| 4 | COVID-19 |
| 5 | Liver Disease |
| 6 | Cerebrovascular Disease |
| 7 | Accidents |
| 8 | Homicides |
| 9 | Influenza |
| 10 | Pneumonia |
| 11 | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) |
Federalization of Health Services: The IMSS-Bienestar Model
A key policy initiative is the federalization of health services through the IMSS-Bienestar model. This model aims to provide universal coverage to those without social security, aligning with the President’s instructions.
The IMSS-Bienestar Model is built on four key pillars:
- Infrastructure: Modernizing and equipping hospitals and health centers with the latest technologies to improve the quality of care.
- Human Resources: Establishing a streamlined and efficient hiring process for medical and administrative personnel, attracting and retaining skilled professionals.
- Drug Supply: Ensuring a reliable and consistent supply of essential medications to meet the healthcare needs of the population.
- Worker Well-being: Improving the working conditions of 87,000 healthcare workers hired during the pandemic, prioritizing seniority and job performance.
This model has brought significant improvements in infrastructure, equipment, and staffing levels. The government’s commitment to continuous improvement ensures that the IMSS-Bienestar model remains responsive to evolving health needs.
The National Health System: A Three-Pronged Approach
Mexico’s National Health System comprises three primary service providers:
- IMSS: The Mexican Social Security Institute provides healthcare services to insured workers and their families.
- IMSS-Bienestar: The IMSS-Bienestar health services cater to the population without social security, providing universal coverage.
- ISSSTE: The Institute of Social Security and Services for State Workers offers healthcare to public sector employees and their dependents.
The Ministry of Health acts as the overarching governing body, ensuring coherence and coordination across the entire health system.
MAS-Bienestar: Expanding Access to Healthcare
The Health Care Model for Well-being (MAS-Bienestar) is a significant program that benefits over 92 million Mexicans. Through a network of 913 hospitals and 13,669 health centers operating in 23 federalized entities, MAS-Bienestar delivers essential healthcare services across the country.
La Clínica es Nuestra: Revitalizing Health Centers
The “La Clínica es Nuestra” program focuses on enhancing the quality of care delivered at 11,947 IMSS-Bienestar health centers. This initiative involves a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, maintenance, and equipment upgrades. This program aims to ensure that healthcare facilities meet the highest standards of quality and patient safety.
Rehabilitating Abandoned Facilities: Restoring Access to Healthcare
As of September 2023, a commendable 200 hospitals among 327 health facilities previously abandoned by previous administrations have been successfully rehabilitated and rebuilt. This restoration effort demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all Mexicans, regardless of their location.
Mental Health and Addictions: A Shift in Focus
Alcocer Varela highlighted a pivotal paradigm shift in Mexico’s approach to mental health and addiction prevention. The creation of the National Commission for Mental Health and Addictions (Conasama) represents a proactive commitment to addressing these health issues. Conasama underscores the government’s recognition of the critical importance of mental well-being and the need for comprehensive strategies to support those struggling with mental health challenges and substance abuse.
Keywords:
Mexico, health policy, healthcare, public health, Secretary of Health, Jorge Alcocer Varela, National Defense College, IMSS-Bienestar, MAS-Bienestar, La Clínica es Nuestra, federalization, health system, chronic-degenerative diseases, infectious diseases, climate crisis, mental health, addictions, Conasama.
Health Jorge Alcocer Varela outlined the nation's health policy, highlighting progress made in expanding healthcare access and addressing challenges like climate change, infectious diseases, and mental health. Learn regarding the key programs like IMSS-Bienestar and MAS-Bienestar aimed at improving healthcare for all Mexicans.">
health policy, healthcare, public health, Secretary of Health, Jorge Alcocer Varela, National Defense College, IMSS-Bienestar, MAS-Bienestar, La Clínica es Nuestra, federalization, health system, chronic-degenerative diseases, infectious diseases, climate crisis, mental health, addictions, Conasama.">
