2018 marks the final year of President Peña Nieto’s term in office. Many have praised the cutting of red tape in the healthcare systems during his tenure and although there have been budget cuts in recent years, the amount of federal money allocated to health has increased. ISSSTE saw its budget rise from MX$141 billion in 2012 to MX$263 billion in 2017 and IMSS saw an increase from MX$394 billion to MX$622 billion in the same period.

Despite the increase in funds, there is pressure to maximize health results obtained for every peso spent due to the increase in the number of sick people. No budget can withstand the rising cost of chronic disease, which continues to be an issue in Mexico. The number of sufferers puts pressure on public-sector budgets, which struggle to cover a growing population that CONAPO estimates will be over 150 million by 2050.

Through interviews with the top levels of government and with the most relevant national and international players, in this chapter Mexico Health Review will answer key questions as to what has been accomplished, what remains to be done and how the government is coping with the financial, social and demographic impact of these diseases on the Mexican population.

-> How can Mexico get the maximum health return for every peso spent? How have budget adjustments impacted this?