Mexico has a complex healthcare system that combines public and private sector resources. The country’s public healthcare system is called the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), which provides medical and social services to the majority of the population. In addition, there are other public healthcare institutions such as the Institute of Security and Social Services for State Workers (ISSSTE), the Ministry of Health, and the Mexican Oil Institute (Pemex) that offer healthcare services to specific groups of people. In this article, we will explore the standard of healthcare in Mexico, how healthcare is paid for, the services provided by hospitals, follow-up care after hospital treatment, and the rules regarding medical treatment of foreign visitors.
Standard of Healthcare in Mexico
Mexico’s healthcare system is ranked 71st in the world by the World Health Organization (WHO), with a score of 62.9 out of 100. While the country has made significant progress in expanding access to healthcare services in recent years, there are still significant gaps in the quality of care and access to services, particularly in rural areas. According to the Mexican government, approximately 58% of the population has access to healthcare services through the public healthcare system.
The country has made great strides in reducing infant mortality rates and increasing life expectancy, which is now 76 years. However, Mexico still faces several significant public health challenges, including high rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as a high prevalence of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
Healthcare Payment in Mexico
The Mexican healthcare system is funded through a combination of public and private funding sources. Employers are required to contribute a percentage of their employees’ salaries to the IMSS and ISSSTE, which covers the cost of medical and social services for their employees. Additionally, the government provides funding to the public healthcare system through taxes, including a 16% value-added tax (VAT) on most goods and services.
Private healthcare insurance is available in Mexico, and many people choose to purchase additional coverage to supplement their public healthcare benefits. Private insurance is not necessary, but it can provide access to a broader range of services and more extensive coverage. The cost of private insurance in Mexico varies depending on the coverage level, the age of the insured person, and their overall health.
Hospital Services in Mexico
Mexico has both public and private hospitals, with the majority of the population accessing care through the public healthcare system. Public hospitals in Mexico are run by various institutions, including the IMSS, ISSSTE, and the Ministry of Health. These hospitals provide a wide range of services, including primary care, specialized care, and emergency services.
Private hospitals in Mexico generally offer more specialized services and are typically used by those with private health insurance or the means to pay for services out of pocket. Private hospitals tend to have better amenities and shorter wait times than public hospitals, but they are also more expensive.
Patient Care and Follow-Up in Mexico
In Mexico, patients are typically responsible for their own care while in the hospital, and family members are often expected to provide support and assistance. Hospital staff may provide basic care such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing basic hygiene and nutrition services, but family members may be expected to assist with tasks such as bathing, feeding, and changing bedding.
After hospital treatment, patients may be referred to rehabilitation or follow-up care, depending on their condition. Follow-up care in Mexico is typically provided through the public healthcare system, with patients receiving appointments at public clinics or hospitals for ongoing care and monitoring.
Medical Treatment for Foreign Visitors in Mexico
Foreign visitors to Mexico are entitled to receive emergency medical treatment at public hospitals and clinics, regardless of their ability to pay. However, visitors are generally required to pay out of pocket for medical services,