IMSS Launches Digital Health Records for Schools

IMSS joined Vive Saludable, Vive Feliz (Live Healthy, Live Happy), a SEP and SSA initiative, for the implementation of a Digital Health Record system for schoolchildren and the deployment of 3,900 nurses to 90,832 public elementary schools across the country. 

"This effort will reach every school and every student, impacting over 11.8 million children, making it the largest health cohort in public primary schools," said Zoé Robledo, General Director, IMSS. The program will establish a Digital Health Record for each child, allowing parents and guardians to receive personalized reports with recommendations. If necessary, children will be referred to healthcare centers operated by IMSS, IMSS-Bienestar, ISSSTE, or state health agencies. The initiative, set to begin on March 12, will focus on preventive care, with IMSS nurses managing two key health modules: oral health and visual acuity. 

The program will involve 738 brigades composed of health and education specialists, including IMSS nurses, DIF health promoters, and federal and state education officials. These brigades will conduct health assessments to detect nutritional imbalances, vision deficiencies, and oral health issues among students, outlined Mario Delgado, Minister of Education, SEP. 

According to IMSS, technology will play a central role in the program, as data from assessments on weight, height, vision, and dental health will be recorded on a digital platform developed by IMSS in collaboration with the Agency for Digital Transformation. The records will provide insights for policymakers to design future health programs based on regional and national trends. 

David Kershenobich, Minister of Health, SSA, highlighted that the country is under an "obesogenic environment," where economic and geographical disparities contribute to poor health outcomes. Kershenobich stressed the importance of addressing these issues through school-based interventions that extend beyond nutrition to include physical activity and preventive healthcare.

Clara Brugada, Mexico City Mayor, reports that 18% of children in the capital have overweight issues, while 16% are classified as obese. IMSS’ new program will include measures, such as marking schools with white flags where students have no cavities or vision problems and where nutritional concerns have been addressed. Additionally, water purification systems will be installed to encourage healthy hydration habits, stated Brugada. 

"This is a significant initiative that should not remain just an announcement. We want schools to be places where children not only learn academically but also learn to lead healthy lives," stated President Claudia Sheinbaum. The initiative belongs to a broader strategy, with additional programs in development to address mental health and promote physical activity through extended school hours, added President Sheinbaum. 

On Friday, Brugada announced the creation of an extensive network for primary mental health care services, including the transformation of the Institute for the Care and Prevention of Addictions (IAPA) into the Institute of Mental Health and Addictions, which will focus on human rights, gender, life course, and community care approaches, reported MBN.