Mexican Lawmakers Push Reforms to General Law of Health

Lawmakers from Mexico’s MORENA, PAN, and PT have introduced separate initiatives to reform the General Law of Health, aiming to address mental health, support for families of cancer patients, and provide comprehensive care for autoimmune diseases. The proposals were presented during the session of the Permanent Commission and have been referred to the corresponding congressional committees for review.

MORENA Deputy Marcela López proposed amending Article 73 of the General Law of Health to involve authorities in the provision of services and programs related to mental health and addictions. The initiative seeks to promote healthy ecological, environmental, and urban environments as determinants of mental health through public awareness campaigns, community interventions, educational strategies, and activities targeted particularly at children, adolescents, and vulnerable groups. The proposal was referred to the Health Commission.

On behalf of her parliamentary group, PAN’s Margarita Zavala introduced a bill to amend Articles 6 and 161 Bis of the law to establish that the National Health System provides financial or in-kind support to family members or caregivers of cancer patients during treatment. This would cover transportation, lodging, adequate nutrition, and, when applicable, psychosocial support. The initiative also calls for the National Cancer Registry to include data on these caregivers, in compliance with personal data protection regulations. This proposal was also sent to the Health Commission.

Meanwhile, PT Deputy Lilia Aguilar presented an initiative to add a new Chapter III Ter to the General Health Law, titled “On Comprehensive Care for Autoimmune Diseases.” The bill designates autoimmune diseases as a public health priority, aiming to ensure the provision of early and free diagnosis, uninterrupted access to essential medicines, comprehensive medical care, preventive treatments to avoid disability, and specialized follow-ups. 

If approved, these reforms would broaden the scope of the General Health Law, addressing not only direct medical treatment but also environmental factors, family support structures, and the specific needs of patients with chronic and complex conditions.