IMSS Bienestar, Budgets, and a Bit of AMLO Brilliance

In a recent morning conference led by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) from the National Palace, several key announcements and updates were made.

Healthcare and Well-being

• IMSS Bienestar: Zoé Robledo, head of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), provided a progress update on the IMSS Bienestar program. Currently, 22 states are onboarded, with an impressive investment of over 2,500 million pesos in 16 states. On the equipment front, the investment totaled 10 billion to 44 million pesos for nearly 84,000 pieces.
• Medicine Supply: Nayarit is leading with 99.3% of prescriptions filled. Following closely are Tlaxcala (98.6%), Colima (97.4%), and Sonora (97.5%).
• Promoting Cultural Activities: The Undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion, Hugo López-Gatell Ramírez, emphasized the importance of cultural and leisure activities in addiction prevention, endorsing the “Semilleros Creativos” program, which already benefits over 14,000 young individuals.

National Development Initiatives

• National Reconstruction Program: Over 68,000 actions, involving investments of 29,210.8 million pesos, have been taken across 10 states. Efforts span multiple sectors: education, health, housing, and culture.
• Cultural Heritage: The nation's cultural heritage reconstruction is about 73% complete with an investment of 10,028 million pesos since 2019. Alejandra Frausto Guerrero, the head of the Ministry of Culture, emphasized the importance of preserving heritage buildings.

Restoration

• Mexico City: The deep restoration of the Metropolitan Cathedral and the San Fernando Pantheon was noted, bringing back the chime of the cathedral's bells.
• Puebla: Governor Sergio Salomón Céspedes reported the restoration of 778 properties, including significant ones like the Old Convent of San Gabriel.

Socio-Economic Comments

• Supporting the Needy: AMLO spoke passionately about his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the needy, asserting that supporting the base of the social pyramid has shown positive results.
• Reduced Inequality: There's been a noticeable reduction in economic inequality. Now, the richest in Mexico earn only 15 times more than the poorest, a significant improvement from the past.

Migration

• AMLO addressed the migration issue, suggesting that many are now returning to Mexico due to better economic opportunities. He emphasized continuous investment in public works and infrastructure to ensure economic growth and job creation.

International Relations

• The President is set to meet US President Joe Biden to discuss the economic integration of the Americas, aiming to address migration issues and regional violence.

Judicial Reforms

• López Obrador expressed concerns over the existing judicial system, highlighting the need for reforms and increased transparency.

Education

• Regarding Free Textbooks, the distribution in Chihuahua is on hold pending a lawsuit. The President also hinted at certain journalistic companies benefiting from the textbooks' edition.

Cultural Recognition

• Martí Batres, the head of the Mexico City government, proposed recognizing the El Chopo flea market as a cultural heritage due to its traditional significance.

Electoral Budget

• The President discussed the National Electoral Institute's requested budget, emphasizing the Chamber of Deputies' role in its approval.

University News

• Lastly, AMLO extended his support for the National Autonomous University of Mexico's upcoming rector elections, hoping for a democratic and just process.

In conclusion, the conference touched upon a myriad of topics, underscoring the President's vision for a more inclusive, prosperous, and culturally rich Mexico.