IMSS, SEP Launch National Health Initiative for Primary Schools

The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the Ministry of Public Education (SEP) National Health Initiative for Primary Schools, set to launch on Mar. 12, have provided key updates. The program, part of the Vive Saludable, Vive Feliz (Live Healthy, Live Happy) strategy, will deploy 738 brigades comprising specialists from various health and education institutions to conduct health evaluations in 90,832 public schools.

Each brigade will include 11 specialists, including nurses, medical personnel from IMSS, health ministry experts, and education officials at both federal and state levels, states Mario Delgado Carrillo, Minister of Public Education. The initiative will focus on four health stations: general health awareness, oral health checkups, guidance on proper brushing techniques, and screenings for cavities, as 40% of children have never accessed oral healthcare, notes Delgado. 

The program will also include follow-up reports for parents and referrals to appropriate healthcare services when necessary. Additionally, students will undergo height and weight assessments, as well as vision screenings, with free eyeglasses provided to those in need, according to SEP. 

The collected data will be stored in the Digital School Health Record, a system designed to track student health and facilitate long-term preventive care. The records will provide insights for policymakers to design future health programs based on regional and national trends, as previously reported by MBN.