Grand Pharmacy for Well-Being Faces Hurdles

The Grand Pharmacy for Well-Being has been the central topic in the industry over the past few days. The president announced that if patients cannot have their prescriptions filled at their medical units, they can call the Grand Pharmacy for Well-Being to order them for home delivery. He also assured that medicines are already in stock for 2024, although not all medicines have been delivered to patients. Meanwhile, lacking quality and high costs have led the Mexican healthcare system to be ranked poorly against other countries, says Epdiemologist Alejandro Macías. 

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Grand Pharmacy for Well-Being Will Make Home Deliveries

The Grand Pharmacy for Well-Being will deliver medicines both to clinics and to patients' homes. President López Obrador assured that patients with a receipt will have their medication in less than 48 hours. Not all states will be able to benefit from this service, as it is only for the 23 entities that incorporate the new health system. "In the other nine cases, the previous system remains: they are sent what corresponds to them: their money, and they hire the doctors and buy the medicines," said the president.

Mexico's Healthcare System Has Failed: Alejandro Macías

Alejandro Macías, Epdiemologist, National System of Researchers (SNI) Level 3, said that Mexico's healthcare system has failed, as people prefer to go to private clinics rather than public ones. His comment contrasts President López Obrador’s views on how Mexico will have one of the best healthcare systems in the world before the end of the year.

Grand Pharmacy Still Not Supplying at 100%

One week after its inauguration, the "Grand Pharmacy for Well-Being" has had logistical problems that make it difficult to deliver medicines. Patients have complained that the presidential promise to deliver medicines within 48 hours is not being fulfilled. Some of those who have called the pharmacy are only told to call later.  President López Obrador acknowledged that there are supply problems. However, he stressed that the service would improve over time.

Suicide Rate Rises 20 Percent in Five Years

The youth suicide rate in Mexico has increased 20% over the past five years. In 2022, the suicide rate among 15 to 19-year-olds increased to 7.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. Officials compared this rate to 2016, when it was 6.9 per 100,000, showing that there has been a significant increase. Authorities explained that after the beginning of the pandemic in Mexico, there was an increase in suicides, as there was more emotional instability due to confinement and economic and family problems. 

IMSS-Bienestar Continues to Make Progress at Federal Level

Zoé Robledo, Director, IMSS, said that the federalization of the health system continues to advance with the rehabilitation of hospitals, the purchase of medical equipment and an increase in personnel. IMSS-Bienestar is expected to be fully operational on March 21. "It is already operating in 692 hospitals and 11,000 health centers."a