Organización y funcionamiento de los servicios de salud del programa IMSS-Solidaridad

Resumen

In this report the organization and performance of the IMSS-Solidaridad Program of Mexico is described. This program is managed by the Mexican Institute for Social Security, which services 10.5 million inhabitants of the rural underserved areas, with federal government re­sources in 18 states. This study compares the structure and functioning of the IMSS-Solidaridad Program with Local Health Systems, as they have been proposed by the Panamerican Health Organization for country members and by the Ministry of Health of Mexico, particulary in relation to the decision-making process at local level. Some assets and limitations of the IMSS-Solidaridad Pro­gram are analyzed and, finally, concrete procedures to improve coordination between the IMSS-Solidaridad Pro­gram and other health services for similar populations (populations without social security protection) in Me­xico are suggested, with the purpose of using resources more adequately and succeed in the national goal to achieve equity in health.