### Baja California’s Health Services Could Be Fully Integrated into IMSS Bienestar by 2025
In a pivotal move towards centralizing healthcare services, the health services of Baja California (BC) could be entirely absorbed by IMSS Bienestar by 2025. This was announced by Miguel Bernardo Romero Flores, the coordinator of IMSS Bienestar in the state. The integration is part of an ongoing effort to streamline medical services across the region under federal control.
Romero Flores explained, “This year, the funding and operational responsibilities are split evenly between the State and IMSS Bienestar. By next year, IMSS Bienestar is expected to take over nearly 100% of the medical services.”
The transition began with a formal agreement signed in August 2023, with integration efforts kicking off in November of that same year. IMSS Bienestar currently manages 178 healthcare institutions, including health centers, hospitals, surgical specialty units, warehouses, and mobile units that were previously managed by Isesalud, Baja California’s health department.
“We are legally operating under a concurrence model with the IMSS Bienestar and state government through Isesalud, which allows us to jointly invest in these healthcare units,” Romero Flores added.
Among the responsibilities that IMSS Bienestar will assume are the operational costs, which include general services such as cleaning, security, food, and medical supplies, in addition to the provision of comprehensive and outsourced medical services.
Although IMSS Bienestar is set to take the lead in many areas, the Baja California State Health Department will retain control over public health programs. These include the Safe Abortion program, mental health and addiction services linked to psychiatric care, and the Center for AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (CAPASITS). The department will also manage jurisdictional offices, the State Public Health Laboratory, the State Commission for Protection against Health Risks (COEPRIS), and other specialized centers.
Baja California has reported no cases of monkeypox this year, reflecting effective public health measures in place.
### Additional Insights on the Integration
Further research on this topic reveals that the shift towards federal control underscores the Mexican government’s broader objective to enhance healthcare services nationwide. This change aims to ensure uniformity in service quality and access across different states.
In recent related developments, healthcare systems across Mexico are working on initiatives to bolster their capacities. The IMSS Bienestar program, in particular, has already shown promising results in various states, integrating multiple healthcare facilities and streamlining operations to ensure better patient care.
For instance, the Central Mexican states have reported significant improvements in healthcare quality since the IMSS Bienestar took over operations. They have also noted better resource allocation and more efficient management systems, leading to increased patient satisfaction.
As Baja California braces for this significant transition, stakeholders remain optimistic that the integration will lead to more robust and accessible healthcare services for its residents.
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