SSA Proposes Norm to Fight Healthcare-Associated Infections

A new regulatory proposal unveiled by Mexico's Ministry of Health (SSA) aims to overhaul the surveillance, prevention, and control of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) nationwide. Released in the Official Gazette on July 9, 2024, the draft Official Mexican Standard (NOM) sets out to standardize protocols across public and private medical facilities. It will replace the NOM-045-SSA2-2005 upon final approval.

The initiative comes in response to HAIs being identified as the second most common cause of adverse medical events, significantly extending hospital stays and straining intensive care units and hospital resources, as reported by SSA. Patients affected by these infections typically prolong their hospital stays by six to 10 days, exacerbating healthcare costs and posing substantial health risks.

This NOM aims to equip healthcare personnel with robust tools to mitigate the incidence of HAIs, according to the SSA. The proposed standardization will streamline operational frameworks within medical units, fostering a unified approach to infection prevention and control as part of Mexico's National Action Strategy against Antimicrobial Resistance.

Developed in collaboration with 35 health sector entities, academic institutions, civic associations, and stakeholders, the draft is now open for public consultation. Feedback received during this period will be crucial in shaping the final version of the NOM, which will mandate compliance among all healthcare providers across Mexico. “The present project is published so that interested parties may, within 60 calendar days following its publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation,” reads the PROY-NOM-045-SSA-2024 published on the Official Gazette. 

The participation of diverse stakeholders underscores the collective commitment to enhancing healthcare standards and patient safety, as reported by the SSA. Interested parties are encouraged to review the draft and submit their observations to contribute to the refinement of this critical healthcare regulation.