Introduction
Secretary David Kershenobich faces a challenging situation, as evidenced by the recent events at the Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez (HIMFG), where 45 surgeons are pleading for supplies needed for their young and critically ill patients’ surgeries. This incident highlights the lack of a coherent narrative to explain the state of Mexico’s public health system.
The State of Public Health in Mexico
Despite officials’ claims that everything is fine and issues are resolved immediately, the reality contradicts these statements. The public health sector is financially strangled, with only 2.5% of the GDP allocated—far below the international recommendation of at least 6% and the average 12.8% invested by the OECD.
The Shift Towards Prevention
One unclear aspect of the current administration’s strategy is minimizing high-specialty medicine, which historically consumes more resources due to its complexity and cost. This approach has led to severe shortages in hospitals treating critical cases, such as the 13 National Health Institutes (INS) under the CCINSHAE and the General Hospital of Mexico City (HGM).
Impact on Vulnerable Patients
While prioritizing prevention is essential—with a cost per life saved being ten times less than treating diseases later—the consequences for the most vulnerable cannot be ignored. For instance, the third level of care attends to 20% of complex cases representing 80% of the mortality burden in impoverished children. Without balanced health investments, projections by the Center for Economic Research and Budget Studies (CIEP) suggest a 5-7% increase in infant mortality by 2026.
Secretary Kershenobich’s Response
In an interview with Juan Becerra on Radio Fórmula, Kershenobich stated that the surgical backlog at HIMFG is an administrative issue rather than a lack of funds. He and Subsecretary Eduardo Clark visited the hospital, claiming that direct dialogue with doctors resolved the problem. However, this assertion is difficult to believe given the director’s delayed response and the doctors’ public appeals since April.
Recommendations for Action
If this is the path forward, it must be followed consistently. If a letter from doctors to the Presidency led to a visit and quick resolution at HIMFG, all doctors in high-specialty hospitals should send similar letters to Presidency’s Citizen Attention. Better yet, health authorities should personally visit each INS, verify conditions, and address individual cases.
- Hospital General de Mexico: Lacks basic supplies like soap and hand sanitizer; power outages have halted radiation therapy in Oncology; extended waitlists due to insufficient treatments and supplies; limited lab tests and lengthy waits for surgeries in Cardiology; malfunctioning MRI machines and lack of neurostimulators in Neurology.
- Legislative Action: Lawmakers could be the solution by adjusting the 2026 budget to prevent the collapse of Mexico’s high-specialty medical sector.
Additional News
Contaminated Anesthetics from Lithuania
Following the serious case of irregular anesthetics from Lithuania that contaminated patients with fentanyl in public hospitals, it has been reported that the issue was contained without any fatalities. However, such incidents should never occur. Both Birmex and the Health Secretariat must review the product and the designated Lithuanian company as the supplier. Key questions remain unanswered, including the distributor’s identity, the Lithuanian pharmaceutical company’s details, acquisition price, Cofepris approval status, and sanitary registration.
New Director at AstraZeneca
After Julio Ordaz’s departure to Europe, AstraZeneca is making strategic changes in its Mexican leadership. Leticia Murray, a Mexican national, returns to her home country as AstraZeneca Mexico’s president starting December 1. She has held local, regional, and global directorial roles within the oncology portfolio since joining AstraZeneca in 2018.
Jorge Caridad Takes the Helm at AMIIF
As anticipated, Jorge Luis Caridad from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Mexico has assumed the interim presidency of the Mexican Association of Pharmaceutical Innovation Industries (AMIIF) since last week. His role includes overseeing the election process and ensuring institutional continuity, with expectations that he will be confirmed as president for the upcoming term, following Julio Ordaz’s unexpected transition to Eastern Europe.
