The Mexican healthcare system
The Mexican healthcare system is characterized by the coexistence of various private and public health schemes. Covering most of the population, the public sector is divided in two main categories. While contributors to the social security are cared for by different institutions according to the type of organization they work for, the government offers basic medical services in local clinics to anyone who is not inscribed in a particular health program.Despite the efforts put forward by authorities to diminish inequalities, and with limited resources resulting on large waiting times and constrained medical help, a percentage of the households opt for private institutions, home remedies, and homeopathy. Private alternatives go from general doctors in pharmacies, to private appointments, and more specialized services in clinics.
State of health
Though perceived as one of the most important constraints, health challenges in Mexico are not solely limited to resources and services. As the country develops and people migrate from rural to urban communities, new health risks arise. With a changing diet, and a more sedentary life, a population with an increasingly large share of overweight people has led to higher prevalence rates of diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Although efforts have been made to encourage citizens to follow healthier habits, it will still take large structural efforts from local authorities to create a more preventive culture among the Mexican population.
