Institutional Practices Under the Microscope

The current administration has worked to eradicate corruption in the public health sector Nonetheless, some are questioning many practices from the largest public health institutions.

Here is the week in health!

IMSS Denies Accusations of Expired Medicines

The Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) has denied that it allegedly let 134 million of medicines and vaccines valued at MX$18 billion (US$897 million) expire during the past three years. Over the same period, IMSS failed to fulfill over 43 million prescriptions, according to the NGO Cero Desabasto.

Mexico City's Ministry of Health Criticized for Use of Ivermectin

Between 2020 and 2021, the government of Mexico City spent over MX$29 billion (US$1.45 billion) to buy non-authorized drugs to treat COVID-19 that were distributed in a COVID-19 Medical Kit as part of an experiment on the drug’s effectiveness. The medical kits have been criticized by both researchers and public officials, reports the medical journal BMJ.

ISSSTE Accused of Corruption by Former Employee

Omissions during the administration of Pedro Zenteno, General Director, ISSSTE, allegedly led to the illegal payment of over MX$800 million (US$40.2 million) to the pharmaceutical company Selecciónes Médicas del Centro, claimed José Febo Trujeque, former Legal Director ISSSTE, reported Animal Político.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Shows High Effectiveness

One dose of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine offers solid protection against cervical cancer, said the WHO. The protection offered by one dose of the vaccine is comparable to the two or three-dose regimen, found the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) after evaluating the evidence that emerged during past years.

Half of the Global Population Suffers from Headaches

Each year, 52 percent of the world's population suffers from headaches, found a study by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. In past years, headache disorders collectively were among the leading causes of years lost due to disability, which significantly impacted the economy.

Hemophilia Affects 5,000 in Mexico

World Hemophilia Day was observed on Apr. 18 to increase awareness of this rare blood disease that affects over 5,000 people in Mexico. Early treatment can prevent its disabling consequences and reduce the risk of death, according to the Ministry of Health (SSA). The majority of hemophilia cases are hereditary, with mothers being both transmitters and carriers. About 70 percent of the children with a hemophilia background are diagnosed at birth or after their first hemorrhage.

Experts of the Week

• David López, Rare Disease Expert, discussed the need of political will and legislative action to shine the light on rare diseases.
• Andrés Posada, Supply Chain Manager Mexico & Central America, Boston Scientific, discussed the importance of leadership in supply chain management.
• Javier Cardona, CEO, 1DOC3, addressed the fundamental role of staff and their wellbeing at the workplace.