Friday, August 28, 2009

President Felipe Calderón

Enjoying good health services is one of the desires and aspiration of all Mexican families. That is why it is crucial for them to have clinics, doctors and medicines available for when they need them.

I know that many families, particularly during these difficult times, are worried about not being able to afford a doctor if one of their children falls ill or about having to cut back on expenses if there is an emergency.

Health should not be a privilege for those that can afford it. Health should be within all Mexicans’ reach.

Federal Government’s commitment is that before the end of this administration, Mexico will achieve universal health coverage, in other words, doctors, medicine and treatment for any Mexican who needs it.

This is a fundamental, historic step for guaranteeing Mexicans’ well-being. It is something that many nations in the world would like to achieve and something that we are achieving.

Today, thanks to the fact that the budget for the Popular Insurance Scheme has tripled in three years, 10 million families that are not affiliated to the Social Security Institute or the ISSSSTE can have insurance that will cover their medical expenses and have access to the health services they deserve, without getting into debt.

We have already begun to do this with all new Mexicans. All newborns come with Medical Insurance under their arm.

With Medical Insurance for a New Generation, we are providing health services for over 2,200,000 children and their families, from the time they are born.

And not only that. As a result of the Health Pregnancy Program, 400,000 women are receiving the medical care they and their babies need during and after pregnancy.

In order to deal with the health needs of more families, this year, we are investing over 9.3 million pesos in the construction and remodeling of clinics and hospitals. This is twice what was invested in clinics and hospitals at the beginning of my administration.

Over the past three years, we have completed over 1,300 hospital works by Federal Government. Moreover, through the Health Caravans, which are mobile teams, with doctors, nurses and a small surgery, we are taking medical services to over 13,000 villages and marginalized communities, whereby we will be benefiting over two and a half million Mexicans throughout the country who had not previously had medical service.

All this has been possible due to the fact that since 2006, the amount of money assigned to health has been increased by 50%. This year, the budget for this sector is approximately $350 billion pesos, a hitherto unprecedented figure.

Rest assured that we will go on working for your health and that of your family. That is our duty and our commitment.

Enjoying good health services is one of the desires and rights of all Mexican families. That is why it is crucial for them to have clinics, doctors and medicines available for when they need them.

I know that many families, particularly during these difficult times, are worried about not being able to afford a doctor if one of their children falls ill or about having to cut back on expenses if there is an emergency.

Health should not be a privilege for those that can afford it. Health should be within all Mexicans’ reach. Federal Government’s commitment is that before the end of this administration, Mexico will achieve universal health coverage, in other words, doctors, medicine and treatment for any Mexican who needs it.

This is a fundamental, historic step for guaranteeing Mexicans’ well-being. It is something that many nations in the world would like to achieve and something that we are achieving.

Today, thanks to the fact that the budget for the Popular Insurance Scheme has tripled in three years, 10 million families that are not affiliated to the Social Security Institute or the ISSSSTE can have insurance that will cover their medical expenses and have access to the health services they deserve, without getting into debt.

We have already begun to do this with all new Mexicans. All newborns come with Medical Insurance under their arm.

With Medical Insurance for a New Generation, we are providing health services for over 2,200,000 children and their families, from the time they are born.

And not only that. As a result of the Health Pregnancy Program, 400,000 women are receiving the medical care they and their babies need during and after pregnancy.

In order to deal with the health needs of more families, this year, we are investing over 9.3 million pesos in the construction and remodeling of clinics and hospitals. This is twice what was invested in clinics and hospitals at the beginning of my administration.

Over the past three years, we have completed over 1,300 hospital works by Federal Government. Moreover, through the Health Caravans, which are mobile teams, with doctors, nurses and a small surgery, we are taking medical services to over 13,000 villages and marginalized communities, whereby we will be benefiting over two and a half million Mexicans throughout the country who had not previously had medical service.

All this has been possible due to the fact that since 2006, the amount of money assigned to health has been increased by 50%. This year, the budget for this sector is approximately $350 billion pesos, a hitherto unprecedented figure.

Rest assured that we will go on working for your health and that of your family. That is our duty and our commitment.