Mexico, health care systems

Apart from natural-product-derived modem medicine, natural products are also used directly in the natural pharmaceutical industry that is growing rapidly in Europe and North America, as well as in the traditional medicine programmes being incorporated into the primary health care systems of Mexico, The People s Repuhhc of China, Nigeria and other developing countries. 

One of the major challenges for the government is to address the inadequacies of the Mexican health care system. Approximately 10 million people have virtually no access to regular basic health care services, and another 20 million people have less than adequate access. In 1996, the total health care expenditure in Mexico was equivalent to approximately 4.6% of GDP. Spending by the public sector accounted for approximately 60% in 1996. ... 

There are three sectors in the Mexican health care system public, social security, and private. The public sector is primarily directed and operated by the Secretariat of Health. The public sector of health services is under the Secretariat of Health and is coordinated by over 200 health districts. The Federal District Department provides health care services to some 3.2 million people in Mexico City. The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) Solidarity program covers another 10 million people in rural areas. 

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