Mexican health reform is coming but may not be enough
Subject Pena Nieto aims to fulfil his promise to improve Mexican healthcare. Significance One of President Enrique Pena Nieto's main campaign promises was to reform the health sector to seek universal coverage -- an objective that was also included in the Pact of Mexico of 2012, and in the 2013-18 National Development Plan. However, it remains uncertain whether the government will submit a bill to the newly installed Congress. Crucially, there appears to be no progress regarding the plans set out in August 2014, when health minister Mercedes Juan confirmed that the constitution would be amended to increase coverage regardless of employment or socio-economic status. Impacts An aging population and an increase in non-communicable diseases requiring expensive treatments will heighten the need for reform. A failure to increase coverage adequately and improve inter-institutional coordination will exacerbate regional inequalities. Low oil prices will limit the government's ability to raise short-term health spending and encourage greater private involvement. Without increasing the size of the formal sector, it will be difficult to make the health system financially sustainable.