Mexico Overhauls Healthcare Procurement, President Defends Judicial Independence
President Claudia Sheinbaum unveiled a new healthcare procurement system, rejected calls for judicial impeachment, and confirmed her attendance at the G20 Summit. She received sustainability recognition, questioned INE's election budget, and intervened in a controversial legal case.
In a wide-ranging morning press conference on October 31, 2024, President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted several pressing matters, including the unveiling of a new healthcare procurement model, the Government’s stance on potential Supreme Court actions, upcoming participation in the G20 Summit, a prestigious sustainability award, and critical updates on national issues. Thursday’s “People’s Morning Press Conference” saw prominent government officials elaborate on recent policy decisions and reflect on the administration’s next steps in its commitment to public welfare, transparency, and sovereignty.
New Model for Consolidated Medicine Procurement
President Sheinbaum unveiled a highly anticipated centralized model for procuring essential medicines and medical supplies, emphasizing that the initiative aims to enhance access to preventive and primary healthcare for Mexicans nationwide. Eduardo Clark, representing the Ministry of Health, explained the intricate process that seeks to ensure timely and efficient delivery of medical supplies through improved government coordination.
The model relies on a tiered process:
- Institutions Define Needs – Government healthcare institutions will specify their needs using item-specific codes and establish supply requirements based on the delivery points, which aims to streamline and reduce redundant purchasing.
- Validation by the Ministry of Health – The Ministry is tasked with reviewing these requests to confirm demand and optimize inventory orders.
- Centralized Procurement by Birmex – Birmex, the government’s healthcare supplier, will handle consolidated purchasing. Under this model, suppliers are invited to bid on contracts, a step that, according to Sheinbaum, is meant to foster competition and ensure the best value for Mexico’s public healthcare system.
- Final Distribution – Once contracts are signed, institutions will begin receiving medical supplies to serve Mexico’s population, with a focus on uninterrupted delivery of essential medicines.
Clark expressed optimism about the model, citing that it would enhance transparency, reduce costs, and ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes. The new system underscores the administration's ambition to address healthcare access issues more effectively.
Presidential Stance on Supreme Court Impeachment
Addressing the issue of growing tension between the executive branch and Mexico’s Supreme Court, President Sheinbaum firmly rejected calls to impeach Supreme Court justices, stating that such actions would play into opposition tactics. Referring to what she described as political provocation, Sheinbaum criticized opposition groups for attempting to incite divisiveness within the government.
“They are provoking us. They want the president to initiate impeachment proceedings. We will not do it—even if they violate the Constitution,” Sheinbaum declared, underscoring her administration's commitment to legislative and constitutional processes.
The president also responded to recent statements by retired Supreme Court Minister José Ramón Cossío, who warned that Sheinbaum could be subject to removal should she not comply with court decisions. “Talking about a coup d'état, that they are going to remove me—calm down!” she remarked, adding that constitutional law should be accessible to all citizens, not just legal experts. She expressed confidence that her administration’s adherence to the law would withstand scrutiny.
Sheinbaum’s Upcoming G20 Debut in Brazil
Sheinbaum confirmed her attendance at the upcoming G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, scheduled for November 18-19. This marks her first major international engagement as president, providing her with an opportunity to assert Mexico’s role on the global stage.
The summit, focused on global economic challenges and climate initiatives, will allow Mexico’s president to present her administration’s priorities to world leaders. Notably, Sheinbaum will return in time for the November 20th Revolution Day parade in Mexico, underscoring her commitment to both international and domestic responsibilities.
Honored for Sustainability Efforts
In a moment of personal acknowledgment, President Sheinbaum expressed gratitude for receiving the Nobel Sustainability Trust’s Medal for Outstanding Contribution in Sustainability for 2024. The prestigious award recognizes her commitment to implementing sustainable practices across Mexico, a crucial focus in light of the country’s vulnerability to climate change impacts.
“For me, the greatest privilege is to serve the people beyond the recognition of public service. It is an enormous privilege that we are going to fulfill with duty to the people of Mexico,” she stated, stressing that the honor serves as motivation to advance her administration’s environmental policies.
The medal is expected to bolster Sheinbaum’s environmental credibility on the international stage, particularly at the G20 Summit, where sustainable development will be a key agenda topic.
Budget Concerns for the Judicial Election
Turning her attention to domestic governance, Sheinbaum questioned the 13-billion peso budget proposed by the National Electoral Institute (INE) for the upcoming judicial election. She noted that just months ago, a 7-billion peso figure had been proposed, making the current budget a significant increase in cost.
According to Sheinbaum, the judicial election, unlike traditional political elections, does not require the same level of expenditure on party financing and electoral activities, implying that the INE could reduce the budget without compromising the election's integrity. She extended a “respectful call” to INE’s counselors to re-evaluate the budget, noting that funding for the election should be sourced from the judiciary’s existing trusts rather than additional public resources.
“Esmeralda Case” Resolution
In closing, Sheinbaum praised the Querétaro Prosecutor’s Office’s decision to drop legal proceedings against a 14-year-old girl, Esmeralda, who had previously been accused of homicide following a spontaneous abortion. The case had drawn widespread public attention and prompted advocacy from women’s rights groups, who argued that prosecuting Esmeralda for a miscarriage was both unjust and insensitive.
“My congratulations on this outcome,” Sheinbaum stated, describing the prosecutor’s actions as compassionate and appropriate. She reiterated her administration’s commitment to providing institutional support for such cases, ensuring justice aligns with human rights considerations.
From healthcare reform to judicial transparency and international diplomacy, Thursday’s press conference highlighted the breadth of President Sheinbaum’s agenda. Through strategic initiatives like the new medicine procurement model and her diplomatic debut at the G20, she aims to reinforce her administration’s focus on public service and international leadership.
Her recent recognition for sustainability efforts affirms her dedication to environmental stewardship, a cause she plans to champion on a global level. At home, her call for fiscal prudence in the upcoming judicial election and her compassionate stance in the Esmeralda case reflect her holistic approach to governance—one that balances social welfare, fiscal responsibility, and steadfast adherence to constitutional principles.
