Introduction and Context
Mexico faces significant challenges in ensuring universal access to healthcare services. According to the OCDE’s Panorama de la Salud 2025 report, only 78% of Mexico’s population has medical coverage (public or private). This translates to approximately 22% of the population encountering difficulties in accessing essential health services, including laboratory tests, consultations, surgeries, treatments, and medications.
Comparison with OCDE Average
Mexico’s healthcare coverage is considerably lower than the OCDE average, which stands at 98%. Moreover, Mexico’s healthcare spending as a percentage of its GDP is 5.9%, while the OCDE average is 9.3%. Some OCDE member countries allocate over 10% of their GDP to health resources.
Access and User Satisfaction
Mexico’s low healthcare spending is reflected in both access and user satisfaction. Only 56% of users are satisfied with the quality of medical care, compared to the OCDE average of 64%.
Availability and Quality: Beyond Access
Despite some low-performing indicators in healthcare availability, Mexico’s overall health and lifestyle metrics are positive. However, the country falls short in terms of human resources and infrastructure.
- Healthcare Professionals: Mexico has 2.7 doctors and 3.0 nurses per 1,000 people, both below the OCDE average and recommended levels.
- Hospital Beds: Mexico has 1 hospital bed per 1,000 people, significantly lower than the OCDE average of 4.2 beds per 1,000 people.
- Specialized Medical Equipment: Availability of basic diagnostic and treatment equipment is also low.
These shortages in human resources and infrastructure impact other healthcare access indicators, such as early childhood health care. Only 78% of eligible children received difteria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccinations, far below the OCDE average.
Lower Health Risk Factors in Mexico
On a positive note, Mexicans exhibit lower health risk factors compared to other OCDE countries. They smoke less (9% daily vs. 15% OCDE average) and consume less alcohol (6.2 liters per person vs. 8.5 liters OCDE average). Suicide rates are also lower, indicating better mental health.
Despite these positive risk factors, Mexico still faces more hospitalizations and preventable deaths than other countries. Many individuals remain uncovered by public medical services and cannot afford private care.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue in Mexico’s healthcare system? Universalizing access to healthcare services is a significant challenge, with 22% of the population facing difficulties in accessing essential health services.
- How does Mexico’s healthcare coverage compare to the OCDE average? Mexico’s coverage is 20 points lower than the OCDE average, with only 78% of its population having medical coverage.
- What are the consequences of low healthcare spending in Mexico? Low spending results in limited access, lower user satisfaction, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure and human resources.
- What are the positive aspects of Mexico’s health situation? Mexicans have lower rates of smoking, alcohol consumption, and suicide compared to other OCDE countries.
