Mexico City to Open New High-Tech Diagnostic Center

The Secretariat of Health announced the construction of a High-Specialty Diagnostic Center, infrastructure designed to strengthen timely medical care and the efficient use of advanced technologies in the southern area of Mexico City. It will operate as a training hub for medical, technical, and nursing staff, as well as for the continuous training of specialists in radiology and diagnostic imaging, contributing to the development of skills in cutting-edge technologies. The new center will be located next to the National Institute of Genomic Medicine, on land near various health sector institutions, which will facilitate patient transfers between the institutes and the diagnostic unit. The internal layout will include 20 preparation rooms, a nursing station, control rooms, diagnostic interpretation areas, known as 'blue rooms,' and a space for radiological teleconsultation. This design will allow for a continuous flow of patients and studies, avoiding bottlenecks and maximizing the use of advanced imaging technology. Furthermore, the integration of teleconsultation will make it possible for images to travel from anywhere in the country to this reference center, strengthening the quality, precision, and safety of the diagnosis. Beyond its care function, the High-Specialty Diagnostic Center was conceived as a key space for human resource training. This infrastructure will accelerate diagnostic times and reduce waiting periods between studies, a critical factor in the care of high-complexity diseases. Construction of the center formally began during the same week of the announcement and is part of a comprehensive strategy to optimize resources, improve coordination between institutions, and elevate the quality of the diagnostic process. The building will have a surface area of 3,565 square meters, will be a single-story, and will feature specialized radiation protection facilities for patients and staff. The announcement was made by the Secretary of Health, David Kershenobich, during the morning conference led by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, where it was stated that the new unit will prioritize service to the National Institutes of Health, mainly located in Tlalpan. This area is home to eight institutes that treat patients with complex diseases requiring high-specialty imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, key tools for guiding clinical decisions. The project contemplates the installation of five magnetic resonance imaging machines, capable of performing up to 100 studies daily, as well as three PET-CT machines, designed to carry out around 90 studies per day, which will give a total operational capacity of close to 190 daily studies. This proximity will allow for greater operational integration, reducing logistical times and improving the continuity of care.