Mexico Signs Agreements to Standardize Medical Arbitration

The Mexican Ministry of Health (SSa) signed a series of collaboration agreements that aim to strengthen and standardize the country’s medical arbitration model, marking a step toward a more cohesive and preventive approach to resolving healthcare disputes.

The agreements were formalized during the 29th anniversary of the National Commission of Medical Arbitration (CONAMED) and the 43rd Ordinary Session of the Mexican Committee of Medical Arbitration (CMAM). Signatories included CONAMED, key federal health institutions, and state-level medical arbitration commissions.

David Kershenobich, Mexico’s Minister of Health, led the event and said the agreements support the development of a more transparent and patient-centered healthcare system.

Kershenobich stressed the importance of analyzing medical complaints not only for resolution but also as a source of institutional learning. By identifying systemic issues and clinical errors, the health system can implement preventive measures that reduce the likelihood of future incidents, he said.

“Understanding the causes behind complaints allows us to recognize mistakes and implement solutions that prevent recurrence,” said Kershenobich. “Preventive medicine must learn from past errors.”

During the event, Odet Sarabia, Commissioner, CONAMED, underscored that the agreements reinforce a just and transparent system capable of institutional learning. Sarabia noted that CONAMED must contribute to institutional processes that promote patient safety and service quality.

Between 2024 and 2025, CONAMED referred 690 complaints to IMSS, of which 81% have been resolved, reports Zoé Robledo, Director General, IMSS. Robledo said that the agreements will help identify operational challenges and foster a culture of respect and quality in patient care. IMSS will continue to invest in technical staff to improve patient orientation and conflict prevention.

The coordinated effort among federal and state institutions seeks to advance a unified and effective model for medical arbitration in Mexico. By embedding complaint analysis into healthcare system improvement, authorities aim to increase trust, transparency, and efficiency in public health services.