Mexico’s healthcare system is underfunded and inadequately organized to meet the needs of its population in light of increasing longevity and the growing challenges created by the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and cancer. The healthcare system has not changed substantially since the Health Ministry was established in 1943, yet the profile of Mexican patients has changed dramatically. Coverage has been expanded since that time and now all Mexicans have access to basic healthcare services, at least on paper. Yet the quality of said services, and in some cases access at all, varies considerably. Those who can do so rely on private services to augment, if not replace, services provided by the state institutions.
The Administration of President Enrique Peña Nieto, having implemented reforms across a wide range of sectors such as energy and telecommunications in the first two years of his term, is expected to turn to healthcare in 2015, especially in light of a campaign commitment to establish a Universal Health System. The challenges are substantial, but there appears to be a basic consensus about the changes required in order to strengthen Mexico’s healthcare system and to improve its ability to provide services more appropriate to a population that is living longer and demanding better services.
Please see full publication below for more information.
