IMSS-Bienestar to Invest US$12.5 Million in Equipment, Personnel

IMSS-Bienestar plans to replace 2,236 pieces of equipment at health centers and hospitals in Mexico thanks to a MX$236 million (US$12.5 million) investment, said Zoé Robledo, Director General, IMSS, during a presidential visit to Temixco, Morelos, on Sunday. 

During the visit, Robledo added that Morelos plans to have a centralized healthcare system under the IMSS-Bienestar administration, hoping to unify the previously “fragmented” system. Robledo highlighted that from October 2022 to date, the country has allocated MX$10 million (US$532,791) to infrastructure and equipment, including the acquisition of vital signs monitors, stretchers and red trolleys for emergency areas within healthcare facilities. Robledo also announced a MX$43 million (US$2.3 million) investment to acquire equipment for the Ciudad Salud Mujer Hospital in Yautepec, Morelos.

Robledo added that the region needed 200 more specialists and 664 general practitioners, of which about 20 were hired during previous recruitment programs and other positions will be covered by Cuban doctors arriving to the country.

The programs being introduced by IMSS-Bienestar are expected to benefit the health and well-being of IMSS beneficiaries. Robledo stressed that the current administration aims to build a public healthcare system that covers all Mexicans through federal institutions. 

Last week, IMSS celebrated its 80th anniversary. During a celebratory event, labor representatives, businessmen and government officials highlighted the role of the institution in the Mexican public healthcare system, as it is Mexico’s largest social security provider, reported  MBN.

“The essence of the IMSS is to provide care to the affiliates and it also has the basic and supportive function of providing universal and free medical care to all Mexicans who do not have social security through IMSS-Bienestar,” says President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

COVID-19 Pandemic Remains an International Emergency: WHO
On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized the need for continued collaboration in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The organization held its 14th Emergency Committee meeting to discuss the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, acknowledging that the pandemic may be approaching a turning point but adding that the virus will likely remain a permanent threat in the future. Therefore, long-term public health action is crucial, focusing on sustainable, systematic and long-term plans for prevention, surveillance and control.