In yesterday's morning conference, the Secretary of Health, David Kershenobich Stalnikowitz, mentioned that the early vaccination strategy implemented by the Government of Mexico has significantly reduced cases of influenza and COVID-19 during the winter season. Since October, nearly 30 million flu vaccines and 6 million COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, achieving a coverage of 83.27 percent.
In the case of COVID-19, infections have dropped from 295,268 in the most critical period (2021-2022) to just 3,065 currently, as a result of vaccination and immunity in the population. It is recommended that individuals with chronic illnesses, older adults, patients undergoing oncology treatment or awaiting transplantation, as well as health personnel, undergo testing if symptoms arise.
For his part, the Undersecretary of Integration and Development of the Health Sector, Eduardo Clark, informed about the process of purchasing medical supplies for the next two years. The reception of supplies in hospitals and state warehouses will begin on March 3 and will conclude on March 15. Health units will start receiving supplies from March 5, increasing the volume from March 15 in hospitals and from March 23 in health units.
"The pharmaceutical industry has shown a very good disposition to accelerate deliveries, meeting and improving legal timelines," Clark stated. Regarding the training of resident doctors, this year, 18,207 candidates were selected, representing 42 percent of the applicants. Of the positions, 50 percent were assigned to IMSS, 30 percent to IMSS Bienestar and other health institutes, 10 percent to ISSSTE, 2 percent to Pemex, and 5 percent to the private sector.
Additionally, 420 positions were allocated for foreign doctors, 140 for the Defense, and 32 for the Semar. The number of positions for resident doctors has been increasing in recent years, and it is expected that 2025 will set a new record in the training of specialists. On this occasion, a quadrivalent vaccine manufactured in Mexico that protects against more variants of the virus is being used.
Thanks to these actions, influenza cases have considerably decreased compared to previous years. The Government of Mexico is advancing in strengthening the health sector, especially through the IMSS Bienestar program, which has increased its capacity three to four times since 2017, enhancing medical care throughout the country.
