Health actions to become integrated into IMSS-oportunidades

Abstract

The Program IMSS-Oportunidades has a 28 year history in the public health arena in Mexico, serving the indigenous and most marginalized population living in 17 204 localities in the country. With 3548 health units and 69 hospitals the program delivers health and community interventions providing better health services to this historically underserved population. The program rests in the work developed by 269 000 volunteers including traditional healers. En general terms there were 20 million medical visits to the health units, 215 000 hospital discharges and nearly 85 000 surgeries. Preventive programs are important and evaluated through the immunization coverages, early detection of several diseases and the descending numbers of communicable diseases. The main causes of death show a mixture of infectious and chronic diseases where cardiovascular disease and diabetes are highlighted. This panorama gives a brief summary of the efforts displayed by the program and an institution that distinguishes for its level of organization and efficiency.