Health Sector Contributes 5.1% to Mexico’s GDP: INEGI

Mexico’s health sector contributed 5.1% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023, according to the latest Satellite Account of the Health Sector in Mexico (CSSSM). This report, published by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), highlights the sector’s economic footprint by integrating market and non-market activities related to human health, including public institutions and unpaid healthcare work.

The health sector’s GDP totaled MXN$1.63 trillion (US$80.1 billion) in 2023, with 4.2% derived from goods and services directly tied to healthcare and 0.9% attributed to the economic value of unpaid health-related labor. This unpaid care is underscored by findings from the 2022 National Survey on Care and Support (ENASIC), which estimated that 31.7 million people aged 15 and older provided care within their own households or in others. 

Hospital services and medical consultations were the largest contributors to the sector’s GDP, accounting for 25.8% and 19%, respectively. Other notable contributors included ancillary services, such as the sale of health-related goods and medical insurance. Despite being an underpenetrated market in the country, medical insurance grew by 7.5% compared to the previous year.

The report also underscores the sector’s role as a significant employer. In 2023, the health sector provided 2.17 million paid jobs, representing 5.3% of total employment in the economy. Jobs in hospital services and medical consultations made up the majority, at 31.5% and 23.9%, respectively.

Additionally, the supply of health-related goods and services in Mexico reached MX$3 trillion last year. Of this, 79.3% originated domestically, while imports accounted for 11.8%. The remaining 8.9% reflected the value of trade and transportation margins. The government was the largest consumer, purchasing 36% of the sector's output, followed closely by households at 34.7%.