Background on Paola Campos and Her Relevance
Paola Abril Campos Rivera, the Director of Evidence and Action for Health Equity at the Technological Institute of Monterrey, is a prominent figure advocating for healthcare reform in Mexico. Her expertise and position make her opinions highly influential in shaping the country’s healthcare policies.
Current Healthcare System Issues in Mexico
Mexico faces significant challenges in its current fragmented and heterogeneous healthcare system. With 44.5 million people lacking access to essential health services, it’s evident that many citizens are unaware of or unable to utilize available options like the IMSS-Bienestar.
IMSS-Bienestar and Its Challenges
The replacement of the Seguro Popular with IMSS-Bienestar, followed by the subsequent disappearance of Insabi, has left the population uncertain about which healthcare institution to seek when in need. Moreover, there’s a lack of clear communication regarding IMSS-Bienestar’s mission to serve non-affiliates of institutions like IMSS or ISSSTE.
Low Utilization of Public Health Services
According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut), less than 50% of the population uses public health services when required. This is largely due to perceptions that these services will not provide quality care or attend to their needs.
Campos Rivera’s Proposal for a Universal Health System
To address these issues, Campos Rivera advocates for a comprehensive and universal healthcare system financed through general taxes rather than contributory schemes like IMSS or ISSSTE.
Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for increased investment in healthcare human resources and addressing social determinants contributing to high mortality rates. Additionally, it has highlighted the importance of robust health services and equitable access for all.
Current Government’s Role and Future Prospects
Although the federal government has the political capital to initiate healthcare system reform, there appears to be a lack of intent to implement necessary changes. Nonetheless, Campos Rivera remains hopeful that academic and other sectors will continue pushing for the required reform.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current state of healthcare access in Mexico? Approximately 44.5 million people lack access to essential health services, indicating a significant gap in the existing system.
- What are the challenges faced by IMSS-Bienestar? There is uncertainty among the population regarding its purpose and capabilities, along with insufficient communication about its role in serving non-affiliates of other health institutions.
- Why is there low utilization of public health services? Perceptions that public health services fail to provide quality care contribute to the low usage rates.
- What changes does Paola Campos Rivera propose for Mexico’s healthcare system? She advocates for a universal, tax-funded healthcare system to replace the fragmented and heterogeneous current setup.
- What lessons have been learned from the COVID-19 pandemic regarding healthcare? The pandemic has emphasized the need for increased investment in healthcare human resources, addressing social determinants of health, and ensuring robust and equitable access to health services.
