Introduction
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has shown commitment to addressing healthcare disparities by attempting to untangle the complexities within the sector. Recognizing financial constraints, she aims to unify the healthcare system over two years, starting with a national universal health registry and unique credential for all beneficiaries by January 2026. However, several questions arise regarding the feasibility and implementation of this ambitious plan.
The Unification Plan
Sheinbaum’s proposal includes integrating medical services from Pemex and the Army by 2027, culminating in a single National Health System. This would allow any Mexican to access the nearest hospital, regardless of institutional affiliation. While this sounds promising, the focus should be on the “how” rather than the “what.”
Budgetary Equalization
A significant challenge lies in equalizing the budgets allocated to users of each institution. According to a 2023 study by the Espinosa Yglesias Center, per capita spending in ISSSTE was 9,764 pesos, IMSS – 8,378 pesos, and IMSS Bienestar – 3,782 pesos. To achieve equalization, IMSS Bienestar’s spending would need to more than double or even quadruple if considering the per capita budget of Pemex, Sedena, and Semar services, which exceeds 24,000 pesos.
Public Health Investment
Mexico’s public health investment is one of the lowest among middle-income countries, at less than 3% of GDP. This is below the Latin American average of around 4.5% and far behind countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, which invest over 9% of their GDP in healthcare. Moreover, Mexico has only 1.4 hospital beds per 1,000 inhabitants, significantly lower than the OECD average of 4.4.
Key Questions and Answers
- Question: Answer: The Subsecretary of Sectoral Integration and Development, Eduardo Clark García Dobarganes, is considered the natural architect for this national database and unique credential. However, his ability to navigate political negotiations with labor unions and Congress remains uncertain.
- Question: Answer:The food technology industry, which contributes significantly to Mexico’s economy, faces regulatory challenges primarily managed by COFEPRIS. Outdated norms and laws create gray and black markets, posing health risks to the population. This necessitates viewing the sector through a public health lens.
The Food Tech Summit
On October 8-9, the Food Tech Summit & Expo 2025 will take place at Centro Banamex in Mexico City. This key event for the food and beverage industry in Latin America, which generates approximately 58,000 million pesos annually in Mexico, will feature the growing dietary supplement industry. Conferences will address various aspects, including regulatory challenges imposed by COFEPRIS based on outdated norms and laws that do not reflect current consumer or industry realities.
