Mexico Health Sector Advances Supply, Coverage

IMSS Bienestar Distributes Medical Kits. IMSS Bienestar launched its second nationwide distribution of preassembled medical kits, reports Alejandro Svarch, Director General, IMSS Bienestar. According to Svarch, through the Rutas de la Salud (Health Routes) logistics network, the institution delivers standardized packages containing 147 essential medicines and supplies for 30 days of care, reaching 23 states and remote communities. In the first round, over 28 million medicines were distributed to more than 8,600 health units and hospitals. 

Health Sector Nears Full Medicine Supply. Eduardo Clark, Deputy Minister of Health, reported that Mexico’s public health sector received 186 million units of medicines and medical supplies in August, more than double May’s volume, bringing IMSS, ISSSTE, and IMSS Bienestar close to 100% supply levels. While distribution has improved, Clark highlighted persistent shortfalls due to supplier noncompliance. Several national and international pharmaceutical companies have failed to deliver millions of contracted pieces, including critical oncology drugs, hindering full coverage. 

ISSSTE Expands Services. Martí Batres, Director General, ISSSTE, announced new construction projects, including a family medicine unit in Coahuila and facility expansions in Oaxaca. The institute is also launching a robotic surgery program, expanding from one to six Da Vinci systems across hospitals nationwide, with 150 oncology procedures scheduled this year. Batres reported a 97% medicine supply level in August, with over 22 million pieces delivered, though some providers remain noncompliant. 

IMSS Expands Coverage for Migrants. Zoé Robledo, Director General, IMSS, outlined efforts to provide social security to Mexicans living in the United States through the independent worker program, which has enrolled over 15,000 people and 14,700 beneficiaries since 2021, with more than 1,300 already pensioned. Payments can now be made via Finabien, and new services include telephonic medical guidance and, starting Dec.1,2025, digital teleconsultations for migrants.