Health Care Law at Mexico
Health care law in Mexico is a combination of constitutional rights, federal legislation, and public health policies aimed at ensuring access to medical services, especially through public institutions.
Here’s a general overview:
🏥 Constitutional Basis
Article 4 of the Mexican Constitution guarantees every person the right to health protection.
This right obligates the state to provide medical services and improve access for all citizens.
🏛️ Main Public Institutions
Mexico's health care system has both public and private components, but public coverage is more widespread and includes:
IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social)
For private sector workers and their families.
ISSSTE (Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado)
For federal government employees.
INSABI (Instituto de Salud para el Bienestar)
Replaced Seguro Popular in 2020. It provides health services to uninsured individuals (those not covered by IMSS or ISSSTE).
📜 Relevant Laws and Regulations
General Health Law (Ley General de Salud):
The main federal legislation governing health services, regulation of medicine, public health emergencies, organ donation, and more.
Social Security Law (Ley del Seguro Social):
Covers the structure and functioning of the IMSS.
Law of the ISSSTE:
Regulates the operation of health care for federal employees.
🧑⚖️ Patients’ Rights
Right to informed consent.
Right to privacy and confidentiality.
Access to medical records.
Right to complain or file a lawsuit if care standards are not met.
⚖️ Challenges & Ongoing Reforms
Transition from Seguro Popular to INSABI caused some confusion and implementation challenges.
Disparities between rural and urban areas in quality and access to care.
Push for universal health coverage continues to evolve.
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