### BC Health Services May Be Fully Integrated into IMSS Bienestar by 2025
**Tijuana, August 18, 2024** – The IMSS Bienestar program is expected to fully absorb the health services currently offered by the Baja California Health Secretariat by 2025, according to Miguel Bernardo Romero Flores, the IMSS Bienestar coordinator in the state.
In August 2023, a significant agreement was signed to integrate Baja California’s health services with the federal system, and by November, coordination efforts had already commenced. As of now, IMSS Bienestar oversees 178 health facilities, including primary care centers, hospitals, surgical specialty units, warehouses, and mobile units that were previously managed by Isesalud.
“Currently, funding and operations are a 50-50 split between the state and IMSS Bienestar. By next year, IMSS Bienestar is expected to assume nearly 100% of medical services,” said Romero Flores.
IMSS Bienestar operates under a legal framework termed “concurrency,” allowing both the federal program and the state government to invest resources into healthcare units. The federal government has also taken responsibility for personnel management at these facilities and covers the costs of general services, such as cleaning, security, food, and medical services.
Romero Flores indicated that next year, projections have been made to start funding integral or subrogated health services to align with the increasing healthcare needs of the population.
Despite these changes, the state’s Health Secretariat will remain responsible for public health programs, including those related to safe abortion, mental health, addictions, and specialized centers for the prevention and treatment of HIV and other STDs. They will also manage jurisdictional offices, the state public health lab, and other entities like COEPRIS, vector control, zoonosis, and the state blood transfusion center.
**Baja California’s Health Advances in 2024**
Baja California has maintained a clean slate with no reported cases of monkeypox in 2024, showcasing effective disease control measures.
Moreover, a notable rise has been observed in the registration of health centers in the Public Health Service Registry (REPSABI), totaling 300, indicating expanded healthcare reach.
The IMSS Bienestar program is also tackling staff shortages in key facilities, such as the Tijuana Maternal and Child Hospital, ensuring better healthcare access.
IMSS Bienestar’s continuing efforts underline its dedication to improving healthcare services in Baja California by integrating comprehensive medical coverage under one federal umbrella, ensuring improved access and quality of care for all residents.
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