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-Editorial
Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, announced the launch of a new initiative within the federal government’s social policies: Salud Casa por Casa (Health House-to-House). This ambitious program is designed to guarantee access to healthcare for senior citizens and people with disabilities by providing medical care directly in their homes.
During her daily morning press conference, known as “La Mañanera del Pueblo” (The People’s Morning), Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of this program within the context of the government’s initiatives for public welfare. According to the president, Salud Casa por Casa will benefit 13.6 million people across the country, including 12 million who are already part of the pension program for senior citizens.
“This is the third social program we are launching this week, alongside the initiative for women aged 60 to 64 and the scholarship program for children. Salud Casa por Casa brings medical personnel to the homes of seniors, providing direct care and guaranteeing their right to health,” Sheinbaum explained.
The program will start with a health and wellness census to be conducted between October and December 2024. This census, administered by 20,000 federal public servants, will involve home visits to gather health information about the program’s beneficiaries. The data collected will include pre-existing conditions, medications, recent medical visits, disabilities, diet, and physical activity, among other details.
In addition to physical health data, the census will also gather information on the emotional well-being, family and social environments, and economic and employment conditions of the participants. This information will help create personalized care plans for each individual, which will include scheduled medical visits every two months.
To carry out these home visits, the program will require the hiring of 21,500 healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, who will be responsible for providing the in-home consultations. The recruitment process for these professionals will take place from October 21 to November 15, 2024.
The financial commitment to the program is substantial. According to Sheinbaum, 7 billion pesos will be allocated for its implementation starting in 2025, funded by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the federal government’s budget. This investment highlights the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services to the most vulnerable populations, improving their quality of life, and easing the burden on traditional healthcare services.
“This program aims to bridge the gaps in healthcare coverage, ensuring that all people, regardless of their enrollment in a public health institution, receive the medical care they need,” emphasized Zoé Robledo Aburto, the director general of IMSS.
David Kershenobich Stalnikowitz, the Secretary of Health, underscored the significance of preventive medicine and primary care within the Salud Casa por Casa strategy. He explained that home care for senior citizens and people with disabilities not only improves their quality of life but also helps reduce overcrowding in hospitals and health centers across the country.
“This is an example of how the government is strengthening preventive medicine as a key strategy for the future of Mexico’s healthcare sector,” Kershenobich noted.
Alejandro Svarch Pérez, the director general of IMSS-Welfare, added that the program will ensure continuity of care for patients, providing the necessary follow-up at primary and secondary levels of healthcare.
The launch of Salud Casa por Casa is part of a broader series of federal government initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of Mexico’s most vulnerable populations. This program complements other recent social efforts, such as support for women over the age of 60 and the scholarship program for secondary school students.
At the end of the press conference, the section Vida Saludable (Healthy Life) was introduced, featuring a short video on the importance of a balanced diet—an essential component for maintaining good health among senior citizens.