Mexico’s health system, 2023

Abstract

Mexico’s health system is comprised of two sectors, public and private.The public sector includes social security institutions and institutions that provide services to the population without social security. The private sector includes private insurance companies and service providers working in private offices, clinics, and hospitals. Longer lifespans and exposure to risks associated with unhealthy lifestyles have transformed the leading causes of disease and death. Chronic non-communicable diseases and injuries are increasingly prevalent in the health profile. Health system coverage improved over the last two decades, from less than 50 million people with health insurance in 2000 to over 100 million in 2016. Healthcare in Mexico is financed with public and private resources. Public resources finance partially the institutions that serve the population with contributory health insurance and fully those that serve the population without this labor benefit. Health spending represents 5.5% of gross domestic product. There are 34 756 healthcare units in Mexico. The ratio of doctors per thousand inhabitants is 2.5. Healthcare regulation activities include accreditation of health sciences schools and faculties, licensing and certification of physicians and nurses, and certification of healthcare units.The Comisión Federal de Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios is responsible for health regulation.