At present, to provide better healthcare, Mexico is equipped with the latest medical technology and equipment. Aside from the welcoming medical practitioners and staff, Mexico offers reasonably priced healthcare rates and Mexico's medical practitioners speak English well. No wonder it is a honey pot for Americans seeking better healthcare.
The mortality rate in Mexico is lower than in most of its Northern-most neighbors. In 2005, the recorded mortality rate for children less than 5 years old was 17 per 1000 live births. States like Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero have a high infant mortality rate.
Healthcare expenditure reached 49 billion (in US dollars) in 2005.
Aside from the private sector, the key players in healthcare in Mexico are: the Secretariat of Health (formerly called the Secretaria de Salubridad y Asistencia, or SSA); Social Security (Mexican Social Security Institute or commonly called Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social or IMSS) for employed citizens and their dependents; and Social Security Institute for State Workers (Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado ISSSTE) who assist government employees.
For any health emergency, you should call "060" in Mexico.
Mexico's goal by 2011 is to provide universal health care to its people. As of 2002, 50.3 million residents had no insurance.
Health Concern
Health precautions are vital and should be taken into consideration once you arrive in Mexico.
The use of pesticide is a major health concern in Mexico, particularly in Chiapas as 58 per cent of its total population is involved in agricultural work.
The recent outbreak of H1N1 influenza created a great uncertainty for expatriates and shook Mexico's tourism industry.
Most expats need to get used to the high altitude in some areas like Mexico City - effects are a lack of energy, breathing problems, headaches and restlessness.
Medical Tourism
The medical tourism industry in Mexico combines Mexico's relaxing ambience with cost effective medical services that lure Americans. Compared to the United States and Canada, the costs are lower for medical care and prescription drugs.
Crossing the borders of Mexico for medical care is already an established routine for Americans, especially for dental treatments and plastic surgery.
Families U.S.A reported, "About 90 percent [feel] the care they had received in Mexico had been good or excellent. About 80 percent rated the care they had received in the United States as good or excellent."
