Mexico Gathers Health Proposals for 2025-2030 Development Plan

The Mexican government has been incorporating citizen and expert input into the National Development Plan (PND) 2025-2030, focusing on health initiatives aimed at addressing pressing public concerns, according to David Kershenobich, Mexico’s Minister of Health. Efforts include proposals to improve mental health support and leverage technology to enhance healthcare access.

President Claudia Sheinbaum recently said that the PND 2025-2030 will incorporate public input gathered through forums held nationwide from Jan. 6, 2024, to Jan.19, 2024, allowing for broad participation while ensuring adequate time to integrate technical requirements into the final document, as reported by Mexico’s Government.

During a recent forum hosted at Coahuila, Kershenobich highlighted several key health strategies identified through collaborative discussions. Proposals will serve as a foundation for shaping the health-related components of the PND 2025-2030.

Among the discussions was a nationwide drug prevention campaign titled Stay Away from Drugs. Fentanyl Kills. This initiative aims to combat drug addiction among students, targeting 11.8 million secondary and higher education students in public and private schools nationwide, as reported by MBN. The forum also addressed maternal and child health, proposing targeted efforts during the first 1,000 days of life to reduce the long-term prevalence of chronic diseases. Another area of focus was metabolic health, with strategies aimed at mitigating risk factors through improved nutrition and public awareness campaigns.

Participants also discussed the potential of innovation and technology to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery, according to Mexico’s Ministry of Health. Telemedicine emerged as a crucial tool for improving access to care, particularly for individuals in remote areas. By reducing the need for travel, telemedicine not only saves time and money but also minimizes disruption to daily life, making healthcare more accessible and efficient.

Kershenobich emphasized that health and well-being extend beyond the treatment of illness, encompassing family stability, employment, and access to essential resources. He reiterated the government's commitment to fostering public dialogue and ensuring that the PND reflects the diverse needs of the population. Meanwhile, Manolo Jiménez, Governor of Coahuila, noted that collaboration among federal, state, and municipal governments is critical to achieving meaningful results.