**IMSS Celebrates New Model for Consolidated Medicine Purchases by Health Ministry**
The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) is enthusiastic about the new consolidated medicine purchasing model announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, aimed at improving the medical service procurement processes for 2025 and 2026. This initiative, led by the Health Ministry, represents a significant development for public health institutions across the country.
In collaboration with the Health Ministry, IMSS has played a pivotal role in designing the process that will manage the procurement of 4,498 essential medical supplies. These include 1,907 medication codes, 1,750 for medical supplies, 37 types of vaccines, and 804 radiological and laboratory materials which were not previously included in consolidated purchases.
Following the announcement, Eduardo Clark, Undersecretary of Health, held a virtual meeting with IMSS Director General Zoé Robledo, alongside directors and heads of administrative and medical operations, to discuss the new purchasing model. The primary goal of this model is to ensure that all Mexicans have access to necessary medicines, focusing on quality, efficiency, and reasonable pricing.
BIRMEX will oversee the procurement, while the Health Ministry provides needs assessments and planning. Each participating institution will sign contracts and receive the necessary supplies to fulfill health obligations.
IMSS has committed to engaging thoroughly at each stage of the process, emphasizing that effective planning leads to better contract conditions, eradicating last-minute or emergency purchases. The collaborative nature of this new approach aligns with creating a more integrated public health sector.
During the meeting, Eduardo Clark highlighted the importance of cooperation among all involved parties, assuring that decisions will be made collectively, not top-down. The aim is to optimize the sector’s needs and ensure medication availability nationwide.
Zoé Robledo, IMSS Director, noted the model’s strength in fostering collaborative environments, celebrating its transparency and organization. IMSS intends to communicate these changes effectively to ensure smooth execution across operations.
For detailed information, the Platform for Consolidated Health Sector Purchases is available at compraconsolidada.salud.gob.mx.
**Additional News: Rising Pharmaceutical Costs and Global Implications**
In recent related news, the global pharmaceutical market is witnessing a rise in medicine costs, due to increased demand and supply chain disruptions. The pandemic has significantly strained health systems worldwide, driving up the costs of essential medicines. Governments are seeking solutions to manage these rising expenses, with some nations implementing price control measures to ensure public health accessibility. As countries like Mexico adopt consolidated purchasing strategies, there are lessons and insights to be gained globally. For further details on this topic, numerous experts suggest monitoring international health policy shifts, which play a critical role in shaping future pharmaceutical landscapes.