Presidential Debate: Modernization of the Mexican Health System

As part of the first presidential debate, candidates presented their proposals for improving the health sector. To foster accessibility and quality in healthcare, Xóchitl Gálvez Ruiz proposed the introduction of a national 'Mi Salud' smart card, while Jorge Álvarez Máynez advocates for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to predict future industry needs. Both initiatives seek to modernize the Mexican healthcare system, but face technological and training challenges.

The Fuerza y Corazón por México candidate, Gálvez, unveiled a proposal to improve access to healthcare services in Mexico. The initiative considers the creation of a healthcare smart card called “Mi Salud,” intended to provide all Mexican nationals with access to both public and private healthcare systems. The smart card will serve as a multifunctional tool, consolidating patients' medical histories, facilitating medical appointments, and streamlining medication orders.

An important aspect of this proposal is its emphasis on data security. By leveraging blockchain technology, which Gálvez said was key to improving the healthcare system in Mexico and renowned for its robustness in maintaining secure and decentralized records, the initiative aims to prevent information theft. Through blockchain, the confidentiality and integrity of users' medical data will be safeguarded, addressing concerns regarding privacy and data protection in healthcare systems.

This proposal, Gálvez points out, takes on special relevance following the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored existing healthcare access issues within the country. However, the successful implementation of this initiative is met with various challenges. According to data from the 2022 National Survey on the Availability and Use of Information Technologies in Households (ENDUTIH), at least 25.3 million Mexicans lack access to internet services, potentially hindering their utilization of the 'Mi Salud' card. This limitation could significantly diminish the initiative's penetration, particularly for individuals residing in remote or rural areas, unless further investment in internet access is also considered in the proposal.

Moreover, there are concerns regarding limited technological skills among certain population groups, particularly older individuals, which may impede their access to digital health services. The 2022 ENDUTIH survey reveals that only four out of 10 people over the age of 55 use the internet, highlighting the necessity for implementing digital literacy programs. These programs are crucial to ensuring the inclusion of all demographic segments in this initiative.

Máynez, presidential candidate for Movimiento Ciudadano (MC), underscores the urgency of modernizing the healthcare sector. He proposed the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict trends and forecast future needs within the industry. Máynez's proposal entails dedicating 1% of the GDP to science and technology, amounting to approximately US$69 million. This investment aims to revolutionize disease prevention and treatment approaches in Mexico.

However, the use of AI in the healthcare sector also faces challenges, including a scarcity of specialized talent in this domain. A survey featured in the Inter-American Development Bank's (IDB) publication, Digital Transformation and Public Employment, reveals that 51% of Latin American managers recognize a considerable skill gap in data analytics. Additionally, 40% of respondents identify shortcomings in programming and software development expertise. These findings underscore the imperative to invest in the training and development of technology professionals not only in Mexico but in Latin America.

The proposals presented by both candidates reflect a joint effort to harness the potential of technology to improve access and quality of healthcare services in Mexico, but they also underscore the need to address challenges related to technological infrastructure and talent development in the country.