Background on the Initiative
The Mexican federal government has announced its involvement in distributing medicines to hospitals and healthcare centers nationwide. This initiative, named “Rutas de la Salud” (Health Routes), will utilize 134 trucks in collaboration with state governments to ensure a steady supply of medical supplies and medications.
Key Details
- Truck Fleet: The distribution will involve 96 trucks with a 3.5-ton capacity, 38 trucks with a 1.5-ton capacity, 35 sanitary boxes, and 27 refrigerated boxes.
- Annual Investment: The total annual investment for this program is slightly over 120 million pesos, covering vehicle rentals, fuel, tolls, allowances, and other travel-related expenses.
- Experienced Personnel: The program will leverage the expertise of healthcare personnel who are already familiar with local territories and have extensive knowledge of public health issues.
- Local Knowledge Utilization: The initiative will utilize local knowledge in security matters, taking advantage of the state health departments’ historical experience in recurring tasks such as vaccine distribution.
Platform for Tracking Deliveries
To ensure transparency and accountability, the platform entregamedicamentos.salud.gob.mx will be updated weekly. This resource allows users to check if medical supplies have reached their region or the current status of deliveries related to the consolidated purchase process.
Laboratorio de Biológicos y Reactivos de México (Birmex) plays a crucial role in the last-mile delivery, sending medications from central storage facilities like Megafarmacia in Huehuetoca or state-level warehouses in major cities to hospitals and urban health centers.
Support from State Governments
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, emphasized the collaborative nature of this initiative. State governments under IMSS Bienestar will assist in the distribution process, with deliveries set to commence in August using trucks, vans, and boats to reach all necessary locations.
Sheinbaum also confirmed that 96% of all medications and medical supplies have been procured through a tender process, inviting manufacturers to participate and securing items via reverse auctions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the initiative called? Rutas de la Salud (Health Routes)
- How many trucks are involved in the distribution? 134 trucks, including 96 with a 3.5-ton capacity, 38 with a 1.5-ton capacity, 35 sanitary boxes, and 27 refrigerated boxes.
- What is the annual investment for this program? Slightly over 120 million pesos, covering vehicle rentals, fuel, tolls, allowances, and travel expenses.
- Who is collaborating in this initiative? State governments under IMSS Bienestar, along with Laboratorio de Biológicos y Reactivos de México (Birmex) for last-mile delivery.
- When will the deliveries commence? August
