Health and Safety in Mexico

Mexico has one of most advanced and sophisticated health and medical facilities in the Latin America region. As a middle-income country, it has more than enough resources to safeguard the health of its citizens. Majority of Mexican doctors, dentists and other health practitioners have access to medical training in the United States as well as other western countries. As a result, the general public’s health has dramatically improved since the early 1990s.

The health care system of Mexico is generally structured into 3 divisions: social security; government services; and the private sector health care. Free vaccinations, family planning programs, and other medical and emergency services are provided in many rural areas through the Secretariat of Health. In the last 2 decades public hospitals in Mexico have radically increased. The Mexican Social Security (IMSS) and Security and Social Services Institute Workers for Government Workers (ISSSTE) are 2 significant organizations that ensure public health through hospital care and various health programs. The cost of health care and medicines are considerably lower in Mexico compared to the US. Also, medicinal drugs manufactured in Mexico are almost 50% lower in contrast to generic drugs made in the United States.

The cases of AIDS in Mexico have surged over the last decades. As of 1996, AIDS causes 12% of mortalities in Mexico. From 11th place, it moved 3rd as leading cause of death. In the state of Chipas, health problems related with pesticide is prominent since almost 60% of its population is employed in agricultural jobs and regularly exposed to various chemicals.