Introduction
Ten months into the current administration, Mexico’s public health system—comprising IMSS, ISSSTE, and IMSS Bienestar—continues to grapple with a severe shortage of medications and medical supplies. This ongoing crisis has prolonged patient suffering, exposing a chain of errors, miscoordination, and questionable decisions.
Background on the Issue
The root of this problem is multifaceted. First, the lack of a solid, technically-informed plan left the public health system without a clear strategy to ensure supply. The dismantling of the previous scheme, though imperfect, had functioned for decades. The cancellation of a large-scale procurement intended to cover needs through 2025 and 2026 dealt a severe blow, resulting from poorly designed processes and hasty decisions.
Furthermore, direct purchases and bidding schemes have been slow and disorganized, with months-long delays in selecting suppliers. This issue is compounded by the accumulating multi-million dollar debt to supplier companies, many of which face difficulties without timely payments, reducing the number capable of producing and supplying to the government.
Current Status
Although manufacturer winners have been determined, and contracts signed, the current problem lies in distribution. There seems to be a lack of leadership among the Secretariat of Health, IMSS, IMSS Bienestar, and Birmex. This lack of direction has resulted in a complete standstill, leaving distributors amidst chaos. Ironically, those adhering to ethical practices and Cofepris regulations are sidelined while those operating without regard for rules seem to secure contracts.
This situation echoes a previous six-year administration’s similar predicament: resolving supply only to overlook distribution. The annulled auction included a distribution scheme, but its cancellation left this aspect unresolved. Now, Birmex, supposedly leading the process, has yet to finalize distribution contracts, with minimal progress.
Impact and Concerns
Healthcare professionals living through this reality contradict the official discourse of progress. Months of paralysis and authorities’ indifference have led to this impasse. The argument that waiting for 100% contract adjudication before initiating distribution—when 80% is already ready—appears more like an excuse than a strategy, exacerbating hospital suffering.
Another enigma is the inaction of medical institutions despite evident shortages. Why aren’t they requesting necessary supplies? Is it due to poor communication, internal disorganization, or fear of reporting shortages?
AMIIF’s Concerns Regarding its Director
Within AMIIF, an association of research-based pharmaceutical companies in Mexico—mainly transnationals, there’s significant concern over the director executive Larry Rubin’s statements. While serving as president of the American Society, Rubin criticized President Sheinbaum’s management at a gala for the US ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson. These criticisms jeopardize the sector’s strategic relationship with authorities, causing internal discontent among associations representing American, European, Asian, and Mexican companies.
CNDH’s Stance on Medical Residents
The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) intervened in the medical residents’ issue, issuing a statement against mistreatment and abuse they face. CNDH plans to release a Special Report soon, urging medical residents and society to break the silence pact and eliminate complicity towards these realities, which undermine human dignity. CNDH stated that such practices are “protected by a model resembling a hierarchical caste system perpetuating subordination, disregard for their academic and care work, and discrimination. These conditions do not contribute any pedagogical value nor help form better doctors; instead, they destroy vocations, precarize lives, and jeopardize the population’s healthcare.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? The ongoing shortage of medications and medical supplies in Mexico’s public health system (IMSS, ISSSTE, IMSS Bienestar) under the current administration.
- Why is this a problem? It has prolonged patient suffering, exposed a chain of errors, miscoordination, and questionable decisions, and reflects a lack of strategic planning and indifference towards resolving the crisis.
- What are the causes of this shortage? Lack of a solid plan, cancellation of large-scale procurement, slow and disorganized direct purchases, and accumulating debt to supplier companies.
- What is the current status? While manufacturer winners have been determined and contracts signed, distribution remains a significant challenge due to lack of leadership and coordination.
- What are the impacts? Healthcare professionals’ discontent, minimal progress in resolving the crisis, and potential harm to patients’ health.
- What are AMIIF’s concerns? Larry Rubin’s critical statements about President Sheinbaum’s management jeopardize the pharmaceutical sector’s relationship with authorities.
- What is CNDH’s stance on medical residents? CNDH condemns mistreatment and abuse of medical residents, urging them to break silence and eliminate complicity towards these realities.
