Introduction and Background
The Mexican public healthcare system has faced financial limitations and deficiencies since the current government took office. However, a significant shift is expected with the upcoming health sector plan, which is anticipated to be unveiled this month, possibly even before the Independence Day celebrations. This plan aims to attract private sector investments, research and development of new molecules, and centralized purchases for medication needs.
Key Players and Their Roles
Claudia Sheinbaum, heading the government, along with private initiative, has been working on this health program. Carlos Ulloa, a director at Birmex and a member of the Morena party, has played a crucial role in fostering alliances between the government and private sector for the benefit of Mexicans.
Challenges and Opportunities
The main challenge lies in the proper implementation and consolidation of medicine distribution. Public health institutions still need to address shortcomings accumulated during the previous administration, where numerous mechanisms were established but not consolidated.
The Cofepris, under Armida Zúñiga’s leadership, must accelerate the entry of new medications, promote ethical and clinical research, and clear pending formulas from the previous administration.
Current Progress
Some progress has been made, such as expediting ongoing tenders to start accessing medications. Although the process is not yet optimal, these steps are crucial to avoid stagnation and instead accelerate improvements in the public healthcare system.
Private Sector Interest
International medical companies are investing in treatments and medications for prevalent diseases in Mexico, such as obesity, Alzheimer’s, breast cancer, and atopic dermatitis. These conditions significantly impact the economy due to the lack of preventive and curative processes.
For instance, 75% of Mexicans suffer from obesity, a condition not recognized as a disease by the healthcare system. Nevertheless, companies like Lilly, led by Karla Alcázar in Mexico, are dedicating resources and substantial funds to finding treatments for obesity.
Similarly, medications for Alzheimer’s disease are available in the Mexican market, aiming to treat the condition from its early stages and potentially slow its progression.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue with Mexico’s public healthcare system? The system faces financial limitations and deficiencies since the current government took office.
- Who is working on improving the healthcare sector? Claudia Sheinbaum, heading the government, along with private initiative, has been working on this health program.
- What challenges does the new plan face? The main challenge is proper implementation and consolidation of medicine distribution, as well as addressing shortcomings from the previous administration.
- What diseases is the private sector focusing on? The private sector, particularly international medical companies, is investing in treatments and medications for obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer, and atopic dermatitis.
- What progress has been made in the public healthcare system? Some progress includes expediting ongoing tenders to start accessing medications, although the process is not yet optimal.
