Cardiac Care, AI Ethics, Health Policy: Week in Health

IMSS expands cardiac treatment with a new hemodynamics unit, while AI governance gains focus through an internal commission. Mexico’s Supreme Court considers extending zero VAT to all menstrual products, and the FDA conditionally approves a new treatment for screwworm in dogs. Meanwhile, PAHO reports progress in disease surveillance and vaccination across the Americas, though mental health, access gaps, and climate-related risks remain pressing challenges.

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IMSS Opens New Hemodynamics Unit to Expand Cardiac Care

IMSS has launched a new hemodynamics unit at Hospital General Regional No. 1 Dr. Carlos Mac Gregor Sánchez Navarro, expanding its capacity to treat cardiovascular disease, the country’s leading cause of death, through higher-complexity diagnostic and interventional procedures.

FDA Conditionally Approves Elanco Drug for Screwworm in Dogs

The FDA has conditionally approved Elanco Animal Health’s Credelio Quattro-CA1 for the treatment of infestations caused by New World screwworm larvae in dogs, marking the first conditional approval for a companion animal product targeting the parasite.

Mexico Supreme Court to Review Zero VAT on Menstrual Products

Mexico’s Supreme Court is set to debate a proposal that could extend the zero rate of value-added tax (VAT) to all menstrual management products, broadening a tax benefit that since 2022 has applied only to sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups.

IMSS Creates Internal Commission to Govern AI Use

IMSS has created an internal commission to set rules for the development and use of AI, placing data protection and ethical standards at the center of its technology strategy as the country’s healthcare system faces mounting pressure.

PAHO Outlines 2025 Health Advances and Ongoing Risks

The Americas made advances in disease surveillance, vaccination, emergency response, and health system strengthening in 2025, reports the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). However, it also warns that access gaps, mental health pressures, and climate-related risks continue to challenge public health systems.