Introduction
In Mexico, the health and economic sectors are failing to align in favor of the citizens. Despite promises for policies that support the current situation, there is a persistent disconnect between fiscal and monetary policy.
Economic Stagnation
The economy remains stagnant, with low inflation and interest rates not translating into improved conditions for Mexicans. The projected inflation of less than 4% and a GDP of 3% by 2026 are distant prospects, leaving many struggling with unemployment and economic hardship.
Healthcare Challenges
The health sector faces significant challenges, with shortages of medications, medical equipment, specialists, nurses, and services. Appointments scheduled for this year have been postponed until 2028, and urgent surgeries face wait times of at least six months. The backlog of issues continues to grow.
Secretary Kershenobich’s Commitment
There is reportedly a commitment from Secretary of Health, David Kershenobich, to address these issues with the pharmaceutical sector. The goal is to establish clear guidelines for medication acquisition, distribution, and repayment of the IMSS Bienestar’s 40 billion peso debt within two weeks. However, this remains to be seen.
Unfulfilled Promises and Processes
Since the beginning of this six-year term, there have been numerous promises, given the breakdown and imbalance left by the previous administration. Skepticism abounds due to unfulfilled commitments.
- Licitations: The process of acquiring necessary medicines and formulas has taken at least six months, with cash flow issues and unclear distribution strategies.
- Pharmaceutical Distribution: Pharmaceutical companies attempting to distribute committed but unpaid medications lack adequate storage and personnel, leading to increased self-costs.
- Upcoming Licitations: Planned licitations for 2026 to acquire necessary medicines since January have not concluded due to broken licitation and distribution processes from the previous administration. These need to be reestablished, but not identical to the pre-existing system under Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What are the main issues facing Mexico’s health and economic sectors? A: The health sector grapples with medication shortages, equipment deficiencies, and a lack of specialists, while the economy struggles with stagnation, unemployment, and low inflation.
- Q: How are the fiscal and monetary policies aligned? A: There is a persistent disconnect between fiscal and monetary policies, failing to support the current situation for Mexicans.
- Q: What commitments have been made to address these issues? A: Secretary of Health, David Kershenobich, has reportedly committed to establishing clear guidelines with the pharmaceutical sector for medication acquisition, distribution, and debt repayment.
- Q: Why are there delays in acquiring necessary medicines and formulas? A: The process of acquiring necessary medicines and formulas has taken at least six months due to cash flow issues and unclear distribution strategies.
- Q: How have previous administration’s policies impacted the current situation? A: Broken licitation and distribution processes from the previous administration have led to delays in acquiring necessary medicines, exacerbating existing issues.
