Introduction to the Care System in Mexico
The construction of a comprehensive care system in Mexico will necessitate gradualism, according to Pedro Kumamoto, the interim general secretary of the Inter-American Conference of Security Social (CISS).
Government Commitment and Timeline
The federal government has pledged to allocate 45,810 million pesos in 2025 for care programs, representing 0.1% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as reported by the Centro de Investigación Económica y Presupuestaria (CIEP).
However, Kumamoto estimates that a fully-funded care system may not be achieved until 2035, given the substantial financial burden of establishing a new public policy from scratch.
Local Government Initiatives
The Government of Mexico City, led by Chief Executive Clara Brugada, proposed a law in August to ensure that the budget allocated to the city’s care system cannot be reduced. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of care systems at both local and national levels.
Kumamoto, the general secretary of CISS, an international organization promoting social protection and security in the Americas, emphasized that a gradual approach is essential to avoid compromising public finances.
Legislative Progress and Challenges
In March 2024, the Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional reform to ensure that the state guarantees the creation of a National Care System. However, the initiative has since been stalled in the Senate of the Republic.
Despite this legislative progress, the CIEP reports that only 0.1% of the GDP is currently allocated to care programs, while unpaid work (including caregiving) accounts for 24% of the GDP.
Upcoming CISS Assembly
The CISS will hold its XXXI General Assembly in Mexico City from September 8 to 12, with participation from 30 member institutions in the region.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current state of care system funding in Mexico? The federal government has committed to allocating 45,810 million pesos in 2025 for care programs, which represents 0.1% of the GDP.
- Why is gradualism essential for building a care system in Mexico? Establishing a new public policy from scratch imposes a significant financial burden. A gradual approach ensures that public finances are not compromised.
- What legislative actions have been taken to support care systems in Mexico? The Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional reform in March 2024 to ensure the state’s role in creating a National Care System. However, the initiative remains stalled in the Senate.
- What percentage of the GDP is allocated to care programs in Mexico? Only 0.1% of the GDP is currently allocated to care programs, while unpaid work accounts for 24% of the GDP.
