Mexico Expands Public Health Infrastructure, Medication Access

Mexico’s federal government is advancing a comprehensive overhaul of the public health system through infrastructure expansion, optimized medicine procurement strategies, and new logistics, with the goal of consolidating a universal, unified healthcare model.

“Between this year and the next, an investment of about MX$4 billion (US$200 million) will be made to ensure that no health center or hospital lacks the necessary equipment and that all operating rooms remain open and fully equipped with the latest technology,” states President Claudia Sheinbaum.

According to David Kershenobich, Minister of Health, 13 new hospitals and eight outpatient clinics have begun operations since October 2024. These facilities, which include both urban and rural locations, are part of a broader push to expand access and improve service quality across the country. They are equipped with updated technology and are intended to support coordination between IMSS, ISSSTE, and IMSS Bienestar networks.

Among the newly operational facilities are five IMSS units and four ISSSTE hospitals, with 11 units operating under the IMSS Bienestar model. These include specialized maternal and pediatric care centers, mental health hospitals, and high-complexity services like cardiology and oncology.

In 2025, an additional 19 hospitals and six medical units are expected to be inaugurated. The integration of services among institutions is a key component of this expansion, enabling shared use of high-cost equipment such as hemodynamic rooms, MRIs, and CT scanners.

The government is also investing in medicine procurement. Eduardo Clark, Deputy Health Minister, announced that 96% of required medicines and health supplies for 2025 and 2026 have already been secured through contracts representing an estimated investment of MX$284 billion (US$14.2 billion.).

The federal government has also launched two digital platforms to allow public tracking of medicine purchases and deliveries by product, supplier, and destination. The platforms aim to increase transparency and enable real-time monitoring of supply chain performance.

In June and July alone, over 416 million units of medicines and supplies were received, 60% more than in the previous two months, according to Clark. For oncology, contracts have been awarded for 98% of required medications.

Distribution has also been overhauled. State-run distributor Birmex has enhanced its logistics for last-mile delivery, say authorities. In August, the government will launch “Rutas de la Salud,” a project deploying over 190 trucks coordinated through state health departments to ensure consistent medicine delivery to both urban and remote clinics.

ISSSTE has also announced updates to its infrastructure. In 2024, 80 operating rooms were upgraded and the ambulance fleet was completely renewed, says Martí Batres, Director, ISSSTE. The number of ambulances also increased from 486 to 695, with 97 classified as advanced life-support units capable of handling critical emergencies.

Alejandro Svarch, Director, IMSS Bienestar, reports that a national diagnostic of over 700 hospitals and 5,749 clinics has been completed to identify workforce needs, infrastructure gaps, and service deficiencies. As a result, the government plans to hire nearly 2,000 additional healthcare professionals to ensure that all operating rooms remain functional and that every facility is fully staffed. This will support an existing public healthcare workforce of over 100,000 professionals.