A new ‘Health City’ planned for Oaxaca state is a step toward a Universal Health Service in Mexico

President Sheinbaum, of Mexico, laid the cornerstone for a new IMSS general hospital in San Lorenzo Cacaotepec, Oaxaca state, as part of a three-facility complex aimed at establishing a Universal Health Service (SUS) in the country. Alongside the IMSS hospital, an ISSSTE (Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers) hospital is under construction, with plans for an IMSS-Bienestar (IMSS-Welfare) facility as well.

IMSS Director General Zoé Robledo stated that the new Oaxaca hospital will cater to nearly 1 million beneficiaries and employ 2,826 staff, boasting 530 beds, including 260 for inpatient care and 270 for emergency treatment, as well as 53 consultation rooms and intensive care units for adults, neonates, and children. The IMSS hospital is equipped with modern services and is expected to serve as an example for the world, offering the people of Oaxaca their true right to health.

Furthermore, Sheinbaum emphasized that during her tenure, the government aims to add 9,000 hospital beds compared to the 4,000 added during Mexico's previous 36-year neoliberal period. The ISSSTE hospital, under Martí Batres' direction, is set to receive a substantial 3.5 billion pesos (US $203 million) investment and will feature 508 beds, a helipad, 43 consultation rooms, 11 operating rooms, and 36 specialized medical services upon completion.

The total investment in the three hospitals is expected to amount to 10 billion pesos (approximately US $580 million).