In Mexico, the population without access to health services doubled between 2018 and 2024, from 16% to 34%, which represents a social rights setback that mainly affects the poorest households, alerted specialists in a forum organized by citizen action against poverty.
In 2018 there were 20.1 million people without access to health services, while in 2024 the figure increased to 41.9 million, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI),
“In six years the number of people who did not have access to some health service increased by 21.8 million,” the organization explained.
The situation is aggravated in homes with lower income. In the decile I, which concentrates those of lower socioeconomic level, 9.7 million people without access were recorded, against 1.8 million in decile X, the highest income.
In addition, the problem is accentuated in eight states where more than 40% of the population lacks services: Chiapas, Puebla, Michoacán, Morelos, Oaxaca, Hidalgo, Veracruz and State of Mexico.
Paulina Gutiérrez, Operational Director of Citizen Action against Poverty, said that social lack data due to access to health services represents red alarm to correct government policy in the background in health.
“Actions that reverse this frank setback and guarantee health services with quality and equity, paying special attention to those who live in poverty and extreme poverty,” he said.
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The specialists agreed that the breach of the right to health slows social mobility and increases inequality gaps.
According to INEGI, 75% of people in extreme poverty (5.2 million) and 59% of those who live in poverty (22.6 million) face lack of services.
In addition, the problem also affects the employed population: 36% of people with employment, that is, 22.7 million, do not have access to health, with greater incidence in those who receive less income.
Carlos Vázquez, investigator in Mexico evaluates, stressed that access inequality is linked to the employment situation.
“34% are attended in the public sector, 66% in the private and 6% is not attended,” he said.
He added that households have doubled their medication spending. “In 2024 the average was 480 pesos (26.13 dollars) quarterly, little more than double what they spent in 2018, when there were 222 pesos ($ 12.08).”
Judith Méndez, Deputy Director of Research at the Center for Economic and Budget Research (CIEP), warned about the fall in the public budget for health.
“While in 2018 4.6 % of GDP was allocated, by 2026 it is emerging that it is around 1.7 %. The less we invest as a country, this pressure is moving to the household pocket, where around 40 % it is destined to the purchase of medications,” he explained.
The experts agreed that Mexico requires an integral, efficient and universal system that guarantees the right to health without depending on the labor status.
“Health is a universal right, it should not be seen as a benefit; reverse the deterioration in care must be a priority of governments, both federal and state,” they concluded.
With EFE information.
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