Q: What would you identify as the main challenges and opportunities for modernizing Mexico’s healthcare system?

A: Historically, the Mexican healthcare system has been fragmented. This fragmentation exists at two levels. First, the large federal institutions, such as IMSS and ISSSTE, have not been able to effectively communicate with one another. Second, the decentralization of state health services since the 1980s led to the creation of 32 additional subsystems.

This has resulted in variability in care delivery across regions. While Mexico shares common health challenges, these are highly specific depending on the region. The healthcare reality in Nuevo León is entirely different from that in Oaxaca or Mexico City. These are distinct realities that, nevertheless, should operate under a unified standard.

The decentralization has created a barrier, as institutions have historically focused on preserving their own infrastructure, data, and logistics, rather than centering their efforts on the patient. This institutional focus, rather than a patient-centered approach, represents the primary challenge.

The greatest opportunity today lies in a growing convergence across the sector around the understanding that health is a right, and rights belong to individuals. We are working in a coordinated manner to ensure that individuals become the owners of their health information, while institutions act as service providers. This means that patients can navigate the system regardless of their employment status, with their information available across the system.

Additionally, there is an important opportunity in the centralization or federalization of services for populations without social security through IMSS-Bienestar.

Q: How will the recently introduced digital health framework benefit Mexico’s healthcare system, and what changes can we expect?

A: The digital health chapter represents a critical milestone that we worked on throughout 2025. It is the key that enables the creation of a true ecosystem across institutions.

Interoperability could not be achieved without a clear mandate defining how it should be implemented. Digital health goes beyond telemedicine; it establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework that enables interoperability.

Two major developments emerged from the reform of the General Health Law. First, digital health has been classified as a matter of general public health, making its implementation mandatory for all public, social, and private institutions. Second, the specific chapter provides the Ministry of Health with the authority to develop regulatory frameworks and coordinate the sector to achieve interoperability.

This will allow not only the sharing of basic patient data but also the portability of complete medical histories, including diagnoses, treatments, and medical encounters. Furthermore, it will extend to elements such as medical imaging.

Currently, between 15% and 35% of imaging studies are duplicated because there is no interoperability. Patients often undergo the same tests multiple times as they move across levels of care. This inefficiency is one of the major challenges the reform seeks to address.

Digitalization also reduces administrative burdens. Without digital systems, healthcare providers rely on paper records, which are time-consuming to access and interpret. Digital systems allow immediate access to patient information, enabling providers to dedicate more time to patient care. Therefore, digital investment not only improves efficiency but also enhances the human dimension of care.

Q: What does this transformation mean for the private sector?

A: It represents an opportunity to optimize care delivery and make the healthcare ecosystem more accessible.

Historically, institutions—whether IMSS, ISSSTE, or state subsystems—developed their own electronic medical record systems tailored to their specific needs. This resulted in fragmented systems with different providers, languages, and operational rules.

The reform introduces regulations aligned with international standards, such as HL7 FHIR, to facilitate interoperability. This will provide clarity for the private sector, as operating under established standards simplifies data exchange.

Initially, the focus is on ensuring interoperability within the public sector. However, the next step is integrating the private sector. This can only be achieved through international standards.

Importantly, the General Health Law applies to all stakeholders—public, social, and private. While there is prioritization of public sector integration, the standardization of communication systems will ultimately enable full system integration, benefiting both sectors.

Q: What are the key technological pillars enabling this modernization?

A: The first pillar is interoperability through semantic standards, creating a common language across the sector. This leads to robust data governance, ensuring clear rules regarding access, usage, and protection of patient data, reinforced by cybersecurity systems.

The second pillar is advanced infrastructure and imaging systems. Imaging must evolve beyond radiology into integrated systems that include pathology, cardiology, and dermatology. This requires migration to sovereign cloud architectures that ensure nationwide access to imaging capabilities.

The third pillar is artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. AI will support clinical decision-making but will always operate under a “human-in-command” model. It will assist in diagnostics, prioritize imaging, and analyze large datasets to predict epidemiological trends, optimize resource allocation, and improve hospital management.

The fourth pillar is cybersecurity and digital resilience. Cyberattacks on healthcare systems have increased significantly, making data protection critical. Implementing zero-trust architectures and multi-layer authentication ensures patient privacy and system continuity, even during disruptions.

Q: What is the expected timeline for these changes to become a reality?

A: The timeline depends on the level of implementation. The creation of a universal health system has already been announced, linked to population-wide digital identification systems.

Basic interoperability across subsystems is expected to be operational by next year. More advanced capabilities, such as imaging transmission, require additional infrastructure development.

Initial interoperability scenarios are expected by 2027, with full connectivity across all IMSS-Bienestar units projected by 2028. The main challenge lies in upgrading infrastructure in regions that historically lacked connectivity.

Q: How will this transformation impact healthcare professionals?

A: There are two key aspects. First, digital health enhances equity in access to specialized care. Through telemedicine and digital platforms, patients in primary care settings will be able to consult specialists without traveling.

Second, workforce development is essential. Digital literacy is critical for adoption. While this was a major challenge decades ago, today’s healthcare workforce is already familiar with digital tools.

The focus is on designing intuitive systems that require minimal training. While structured training programs will still be necessary, the transition is expected to be smoother due to increased digital familiarity among healthcare professionals.

Q: What tangible value does interoperability create for the healthcare system beyond technological modernization?

A: The Mexican state is not merely investing in technology; it is purchasing time for healthcare professionals, which translates into system-wide efficiency gains. Every peso invested in interoperability is expected to generate nearly four pesos in operational efficiency.

Interoperability is the invisible infrastructure of a universal health system. Without it, fragmentation will persist. With it, the system can function as a unified, patient-centered entity.

Our responsibility is to ensure that all electronic health records communicate seamlessly, enabling this investment to translate into improved health outcomes and greater autonomy for citizens.

The Ministry of Health is the executive branch agency primarily responsible for disease prevention and the promotion of public health.