The Health of the People in Mexico - Essay Example

Mexico Executive Summary Mexico, being one of the emerging economies in the world, is a geographically divergent country with historic traditions andculture. Speaking about geography and history, it is strategically located between North America and South America or Latin America, and has been a land where the historic civilizations matured. Due to its location between the two American continents, it is being influenced by both the continents’ political, social, economic, cultural and many more aspects. Mexico has been under Spanish rule for close to three centuries, followed by French occupation. Then, when Mexico eventually got independence, Mexican rulers initiated many constructive measures, including in the health care sector. They established many government bodies for governing the health care sector, as well as developed sizable infrastructures. The population of Mexico has exceeded more than 100 million, and in that direction the country is currently undergoing demographic changes due to a steady decline in its mortality rate, which in turn is leading to increased life expectancy among its people. The other key indicator which presents a positive picture about Mexico’s health care and thereby impacts the demographics is the declining infant mortality rate. These positive changes in the infant mortality rate, in the life expectancy of adults and other health outcomes are mainly due to the advancements in living conditions, health-care, technology and more. Furthermore, the literacy rate in Mexico is at an increased level, when compared to the previous years. The developing educational infrastructures along with the government policies and funding, has greatly contributed to this high level of literacy prevailing in the country. These programs, which are primarily cash grants programs are not only improving the literacy but are also helping in the reduction of poverty and importantly helping in the management of health issues in the population particularly among the children. With the increased life expectancy and lowered mortality rates, one can understand about the positive role played by the Mexican health care sector. However, when viewed from another perspective, this is not the same all over the country, as indigenous and rural communities are fairing badly regarding health conditions. That is, when compared to the urban areas, life expectancy and mortality rates are on the negative side among these communities. The economy of Mexico is showing positive signs, as it is recovering aptly in the post-recessionary period. In addition, Mexico’s association with North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is also providing it with good economic opportunities. Rise in Mexico’s GDP is reflecting in the fluctuations of its currency rates as well as in its foreign exports and investments. However, the prevailing poverty among sizable sections of the population in a way contributes to poor health outcomes, thus necessitating more focus from the government on these sections of the population. The agricultural sector in Mexico forms the livelihood for majority of the population, particularly for the people residing in rural areas. When viewed from health perspective, excessive usage of land and water resources, along with over usage of fertilizers for agricultural purposes is deteriorating the health of its population. Mexico being one of the ten largest producers of oil in the world, it mainly meets its energy needs through the apt utilization of oil. That is, majority of the Mexico’s electricity generation is done oil and natural gas powered thermal stations. This use of fossil fuels of oil and natural gas has led to the increase in the carbon emission levels. High carbon production and excessive usage of resources often leads to detrimental effects to the environment, and that is happening in Mexico as well. This in turn affects the health of the country’s population, especially in the regions exposed to such threats. On the lines of restricted funding for the health care sector, government is also allocating minimal funds to the Science and Technology (S&T) as well, thereby impeding the development more technological equipments which might have applications in the health care sector. At the same time, technological advancements are happening in the Mexican private health care sector, so much so that it is promoting medical tourism. When it comes to environmental issues, although Mexico has varied natural environment, it is under threat due to the expanding industrialization processes. In order to prevent these environmental affecting processes and preserve the natural resources, Mexico is signing and ratifying number of protocols and treaties. All of which are expected to actualize an healthy environment for the Mexicans, thereby minimizing negative health impacts. As far as government’s spending for the health care sector in Mexico is concerned, it is showing a positive scenario. That is, government’s allocation of funds for health care has been constantly increasing and augurs well for future as well. In addition, government through programs like Oportunidades and Sistema de Protección Social en Salud is further optimizing the health care sector, thereby aiding a lot of people to access quality health care. Though Mexico follows a ‘neutral’ policy in its international foreign policies, it faces constant skirmishes with United States due to the issue of illegal immigration of Mexicans into the territory of United States. However, those issues have also subsided sizably, thereby negating health issues that might arise due to dangerous cross-border venturing and also drug trafficking. The challenges faced by the country’s health care sector due to the various factors including political, historical, economical, environmental, technological factors, etc., has to be focused as they could have a substantial impact over the health outcomes of its population. Certain assets and even favorable attributes of the country’s health care sector including its successful government programs, high literacy rate, which brings better awareness, decline in mortality rate, etc., have to be focused in an in-depth manner to provide good understanding of the health care scenario in Mexico. Thus, detailed discussion of Mexico and its various aspects, particularly in relation to it health care sector, can help understand the ‘lay of the land’ and importantly facilitate an ‘high impact’ change in behavior that will result in a significant chance to change health outcomes for the population of Mexico. Introduction The health conditions of the population in Mexico have witnessed a significant change in the past few decades, which is evident in the increased life expectancy of the people in the country. However, there exist several problems and negative changes in behavior that hinders the health outcomes of the people to a considerable level. In this study, let us discuss the issues that could create the changes in the health outcomes of Mexico’s population such as demographic changes, social environment, and government policies. Additionally, it discusses about the challenges faced by the country along with few recommendations and priority measures that could be taken for improving the health conditions and quality of life among the people of Mexico. Certain relevant issues concerning to health, which are discussed within the study includes decline in mortality and fertility rate, low health-care spending of the government, socio-economic environment and more. Geography Mexico is located in the south most part of the North American Continent, lying below the Tropic of Cancer. The country is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean in the south and the west, the United States in the north and the Gulf of Mexico in the east. The southeast sides of the country are bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the countries of Belize and Guatamala. The general terrains of the country include high and rugged mountains like Sierra Madre Occidental in the West, Sierra Madre Oriental in the East, and Cordillera Neovolcánica in the center. Along with the low coastal plains, high plateaus and deserts, the country’s topography gives it a varying tropical climate. “From deep-set canyons to snow-topped volcanoes, and from seaside rainforest to high grasslands, the countrys topography and ecological landscapes speak to a range of geologic and climatic influences.” (Hay, n. d.). Some of the important cities include its capital Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puebla, and Tijuana. History Mexico was the land in which many ancient civilizations including Aztecs and Incas evolved or matured. Then from 16th century till the 19th century, the Spanish kept Mexico under their control. Although, Mexico became an independent territory in the early part of the 19th century, French invasion followed and it lasted for more than half a century. A period of economic stagnation and political chaos ended with the modernization of the society in the late 19th century, during the power of Porfirio Diaz. It was in Diaz’s rule that the Superior Health Council was given significant power to develop effective strategies in line with the modern scientific standards for controlling various diseases. Under his administration, public health and safety was dramatically improved along with the health infrastructures. However, “despite ushering in the industrial age and greatly improving the countrys infrastructure, Díaz was a dictator who bestowed political favors on the very wealthy citizenry, largely ignored the poor and ruled ruthlessly by force”. (“Mexico”, n. d.). The result was the Mexican Revolution that existed for 10 years, which was later followed by the World War II, thus making major impact on the health status of its population. In 1985, The Mexico City earthquake shook the nation both politically and economically, resulting in thousands of casualties accompanied with improper relief measures by the rulers. However, these historical events stimulated the growth and development of the nation in its various industrial, economical as well as political sectors. Population Mexico’s population is estimated to be more than 100 million, with a population density of 57 people per square kilometer, making it the 11th most populous nation in the world. (“At a Glance: Mexico”, n. d.). Currently, Mexico is seen to have an increased life expectancy, coupled with a decline in its birth rate, thereby showing certain changes in its demographics in the future years. The fertility rate in Mexico is estimated to be around 2% in 2010, which is a free-fall than its previous decades. (“At a Glance: Mexico”, n. d.). The contraceptive campaigns, women empowerment, high-priced living conditions in the country have contributed to the fall in the birth rates as well as the size of family structure. Nevertheless, the life expectancy has considerably increased in the past few decades with 77 being average life expectancy age in 2010. Also, the infant mortality rate is stated to be 17 in 2010, which is sizably lesser than the rate of 49 in 1990. (“At a Glance: Mexico”, n. d.). The decline in infant mortality rates is mainly due to the health care services initiated by the country for the care of women and children. However, at the same time, this health awareness of the nation has to be recalibrated to deal with the prevention of diseases and overall health concerns of the population. Education The adult literacy rate in Mexico was estimated to be 93% in 2010, which is comparatively higher than the previous years, as per the UNICEF data. (“At a Glance: Mexico”). This high rate of literacy is acquired through the good educational infrastructure and increased funding from the government. With an educational system that is constituted into four levels, namely preschool, compulsory basic, upper secondary and higher education, the Mexican government spends about $28 billion yearly for its people’s education through various schemes. The program Oportunidades provides government grants to the low-income families for their children’s education and health services, which indeed helps in reducing poverty as well as provide health benefits. “The cash grants had in fact improved school attendance, reduced grade repetition and school dropouts, reduced poverty, and increased the use of preventive health services and basic nutrition.” (Santibañez, Vernez and Razquin, 2005, p.41). Health As mentioned above, the life expectancy in Mexico is seemingly higher than the previous decades, which paints a positive picture about Mexican health scenario. Also, the mortality rates have fallen lower, both in the case of maternity as well as infant mortality, which is a significant result of the rapid advancements in the country’s health care, along with the improved living conditions of the people. However, these mortality rates seems to vary based on geographical differences as well as socio-economic differences, as infant mortality rates were observed to be higher among the indigenous communities than the other Mexicans. “Ethnic groups that generally have low levels of socio-economic status, particularly indigenous communities, also face health challenges that differ from those of groups with higher socio-economic status.” (Aguila et al., 2011) Overall, the causes of mortality seem to be infectious diseases in poorer areas while noninfectious chronic illness causes the deaths in developed northern parts of the country. Economic The Mexican economy is in an emerging phase, with its GDP increasing in a progressive way. The GDP growth rate of Mexico was 3.9%, which seems to be relatively faster than that of US with 1.8%. (Amadeo, n. d.). Its growth and foreign trade has been hiked mainly with the implementation of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which greatly helped the country to expand its trade. The country has a floating exchange rate with fluctuations in its commodity prices due to US economy and global financial markets. This flexibility in its exchange rate allows the Mexican currency to depreciate rapidly to cope with the capital inflows. Despite the fact that the country has a growing economy, more than 50 million of its people are still living in poverty,. This leads to be a key factor for lower health outcomes among the population, and has to be taken into consideration while providing better health care services to the poor. Agriculture The country is sizably inclined towards the agricultural sector. “Agriculture remains a very important sector for Mexico. Despite the declining contribution of the sector to GDP, and the shrinking of agricultural labour force, about half of the rural population was employed in the sector in 2011.” (“Mexicos Agriculture Development”, n. d.). However, when viewed from health perspective, the excessive land usage along with intensification of its agricultural methods has led to number of consequences such as salinization of its soil, depletion of its water supply, increased food demands and more. Approximately, 19 thousand hectares of land have been estimated to have high salinity level leading to reduced productivity. (Matson et al., 2005). Also extensive use of fertilizers to the land have decreased the quality of the food crops cultivated, which also contributes to the welfare of the people in the country. Sizable depletion of its resources and lowered quality of its food production directly affects the health conditions of the country’s population to a considerable level. Relevant policy reforms and better agricultural practices have to be followed to prevent agricultural related health concerns. Energy When one focuses on the energy component in Mexico, it implies about the electricity generation as well as the production of oil and natural gas resources in Mexico. Majority of Mexicos electricity generation comes from conventional thermal plants, with oil and natural gas being increasingly used there for the generation. (“Mexico,” 2012). With Mexico being among the ten largest oil producers in the world, its electricity generation has to maximally depend on oil and gas. Although, oil production has been decreasing steadily in the past decade, it is still being used. However, the negative impact of using oil resources for electricity generation is, it leads to heightened carbon emissions. These emissions increases pollution and other effects, which directly get reflected in the health outcomes of the country’s population. As carbon emissions could negatively affect major organs of the body and could cause various diseases and malfunctions, the evolving energy sector could also have impact on the health aspects Technology As the trend throughout the world, Mexico is also witnessing sizable technological developments in all fields, including in its health sector. However, the overall investment by the government in Science and Technology (S&T) sector remains low. For instance, Mexicos investment in S&T is the lowest of the OECD 2 (0.31% of GDP). (“Science & Technology in Mexico”, n. d.). However advancement of technologies in health as well as other sectors like communication and information technology are directly and indirectly benefiting its health sector. Implementing apt communication technologies increases the quality of care as well as reduces the operational and administrative costs in the health care sector. On the other hand, the growth of technology in health sector on par with other developed countries is facilitating medical tourism optimally. Due to quality medical care at low costs, people from foreign countries primarily from United States are flocking into Mexican hospitals. “Whether you decide to have presbyopia LASIK, spinal fusion surgery, or another of the highly advanced procedures available in Mexico, youll find it” (“Mexico Prominence”, 2012). Even then, there is need for increase in government spending to further improve the healthcare infrastructure, so quality health care reaches the Mexican population primarily. Environmental Resources Mexico is home to varied and rich environmental resources, as its temperate and tropical regions “support one of the most diverse arrays of plant and animal species of any country on the planet.” (“Mexico Expedition”, n. d.). However, all the components of environment particularly forest cover are getting negatively impacted by external factors. That is, scarcity of fresh water resources, hazardous waste disposals, deforestation and few more factors are contributing highly to the depletion of natural resources in Mexico. In order to protect the environment and its natural resources, Mexico has actively signed various protocols and treaties including SPAW Protocol, The North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC), etc. These treaties and protocols have a common goal of protecting the environment as well as its natural resources with a view to provide better and healthy environs for the Mexicans to thrive. Socio-Political Although, Mexican government’s spending towards healthcare issues is increasing in the last few decades, more needs to be done to positively impact is socio-political status. After “averaging less than 5% of GDP for much of the 1990s, healthcare spending rose during the 2000s, peaking at 6.7% of GDP in 2008, before slipping to 6.4% in 2009 on the back of a sharp domestic recession.”(“Mexico: Healthcare Inputs”, n. d.). Then with the current allocation touching the upper ranges of 6 percentage, “spending is expected to pick up gradually, to close to 7% of GDP by 2014.” (“Mexico: Healthcare Inputs”, n. d.). In addition, as mentioned above, the government program like Oportunidades scheme are providing good health benefits. The other government’s flagship program called the Sistema de Protección Social en Salud, which provides voluntary health insurance scheme for the Mexican population particularly the ones below the poverty line, is a major socio-political success. This program is the “main factor behind a rise in healthcare insurance coverage from 40% of the population in 2004 to more than 70% in 2009.” (“Mexico: Healthcare Inputs”, n. d.). International Political Mostly, Mexico exhibits a ‘neutral’ relationship in dealing with international conflicts. However, the illegal entry of Mexicans into the US through the common but fenced borders has been the constant cause of friction between both the countries. The entry of these Mexicans and the resultant skirmishes on the border as well as in the adjoining American towns and cities, have been a cause of concern. At the same time, recent reports point out that this illegal immigration has slowed down considerably. “Mexican immigration to the United States, the largest wave of migrants from a single country in the nation’s history, has stopped increasing after four decades of surging growth and may be declining” (Preston, 2012). That is, due to strict border patrol and also favorable economic environment in Mexico seems to have contributed to this slow down of illegal border crossing. The other issue, which has an international angle is the drug trafficking. The illicit drugs production and trafficking into United States and other Latin American countries has become one of the major social problems within the country particularly on the borders. Both these issue of illegal immigration and drug trafficking also have health implications because both the activities can greatly hinder the health and well-being of its population. Challenges, Assets and Priorities On analyzing all the above mentioned factors of the country, in relation with the health outcomes of its population, it is evident that although Mexico is undertaking many quality measures, more measures need to taken in order to meet the health-related challenges that are constantly emerging. The first and basic challenge is the inadequate allocation of funds for health care. In Mexico, the health care spending is much lesser than that of the average spending of its neighboring nations like US, Canada. Thus, providing quality health care seems to a major challenge for the nation, as the health care services provided by private as well as public sector is at minimum, mainly due to insufficient resources, high costs and limited access to services. The next challenge is that there are inequalities between the way healthcare reaches the rich and the poor. Although, Mexico has one of the highest literacy rates, poverty and the ignorance of the people, particularly among the rural poor, towards health care make government’s efforts, unreachable to the targeted people.. With sizable demographic difference between the urban and the rural people, rural people are more susceptible to healthcare problems. As mentioned above, although life expectancy is on the rise among the Mexican population and infant mortality is on the downswing, when one compares the figures with urban and rural population, it will give a differing picture because the rural and other indigenous population’s health status is not that positive. The other challenge is the deterioration in the health status of the Mexicans due to wrong agricultural practices and over dependence on fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. That is, as discussed earlier, certain agricultural practices are polluting the eatable vegetables and fruits, which are having a negative impact on the health of Mexicans. Likewise, carbon emissions during the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation results in the pollution of the environment, which directly and indirectly affects the health of the Mexicans. Another prevailing challenge of the country that greatly deteriorates the health of the population is the drug trafficking. The instability of the nation’s internal economy along with increased violence has been the major cause for this drug trafficking and illegal activities, which consequently affects the health outcomes of the population. The country’s incidence of communicable diseases has considerably reduced in the recent years among the better off economic regions, while the prevalence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes is on an increase among the urban areas. This is mainly due to the changes in behavior and living conditions of the population. For instance, obesity is a high risk factor especially in the urban areas because of the food consumption in their lifestyle. Although, there are these above mentioned challenges, Mexico’s health sector have certain key assets as well, which is helping it to cater to the majority of the Mexican population. For example, government’s flagship insurance scheme called the Sistema de Protección Social en Salud provides type of voluntary public insurance for people and this has covered and is benefiting millions and millions of people. Also, the Human Development Programme, Oportunidades is also playing a key role because as discussed earlier it gives away cash incentives to the around 5 million poor families to attend health clinics, receive health education and keep children in school. (“Mexico: Healthcare Inputs”, n. d.). By this way, all the needed health infrastructures are established and health status of the people, particularly the children, is also being optimized. Although, there have been visible increases, still funds allocation have to be stepped up by the government to support the many healthcare programs running in the country. On knowing about all these challenges, the assets and the opportunities present, relevant measures have to be taken by the government to improving the health outcomes of the population. Measures include providing equality in health-care services by facilitating better access and participation of all groups of the society, especially the ethnic and indigenous communities in rural areas. Formulation and implementation of health promotion and protection policies would reduce the risks arising out of bad agricultural practices, environmental pollution and even social problems. These strategies have to guarantee environmental protection, as healthy environments along with food safety, food and nutrition security; can effectively promote healthcare. Technological and technical roles would also help in the prevention and the control of epidemic diseases through various measures. Conclusion From the overall evaluation of the demographic, social, political, economic, enivironmental, technological, etc., issues prevailing in Mexico, it is evident that there is a significant impact on the health of the people due to these various issues. Improving all these aspects of the country would contribute well to the improvement of health conditions of its people. Despite the challenges regarding health issues faced by the country including low allocation of funds, inequalities in healthcare, and even environmental and drugs trafficking reasons, Mexico’s health programs are playing a vital role in promoting health services and awareness among the people. Furthermore, sizable spending on the part of the government towards the health-care services of its people is the basic necessity, which will bring on both short term as well as long term positive changes. In addition, minimizing the inequalities among the people as well as providing sufficient access to advanced health-care services to all communities, will greatly benefit in bringing favorable health outcomes among the people. Overall, the general objectives of the country should be to improve the quality of health care sector, thereby providing its entire general population access to quality services. References: Aguila, E., Diaz, C., Fu, M. Mary., Kapteyn, A., and Pierson, A. (2011). “Living Longer in Mexico: Income Security and Health.” Rand Corporation. Retrieved from: http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1179.html Amadeo, K. (n. d.). “Mexicos Economy.” About.com. Retrieved from: http://useconomy.about.com/od/worldeconomy/p/Mexico_Economy.htm “At a Glance: Mexico.” (n. d.). UNICEF. Retrieved from: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/mexico_statistics.html Hay, S. E. (n. d.). “The Environment & Climate in Mexico.” USA Today. Retrieved from: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/environment-climate-mexico-59810.html> Matson, P., Luers, L. A., Seto, C. K., Naylor, L. R and Ortiz-Monasterio, I. (2005). “People, Land Use, and Environment in the Yaqui Valley, Sonora, Mexico.” National Academy of Sciences. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK22956/ “Mexico.” (n. d.). The History Channel website. Retrieved from: http://www.history.com/topics/mexico “Mexicos Agriculture Development: Perspectives and Outlook.” (2012). United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Retrieved from: http://unctad.org/en/pages/PublicationWebflyer.aspx?publicationid=454 “Mexico.” (2012). US Energy Information Administration. Retrieved from: http://www.eia.gov/countries/cab.cfm?fips=MX “Mexico Prominence in Medical Technology Development.” (2012). Hubpages. Retrieved from: http://ahi.hubpages.com/hub/Mexico-Prominence-in-Medical-Technology- Development “Mexico Expedition.” (n. d). Quest Connect. Retrieved from: http://www.questconnect.org/mexico_environment.htm “Mexico: Healthcare Inputs.” (n. d.). Health of Nations. Retrieved from: http://www.healthofnations.com/countries/profile/mexico Preston, J. (2012). “Mexican Immigration to U.S. Slowed Significantly, Report Says.” The New York Times. Retrieved from: Santibañez, L., Vernez, G and Razquin, P. (2005). “Education in Mexico Challenges and Opportunities.” Rand Corporation. Retrieved from: http://www.worldfund.org/assets/files/RAND_Education%20in%20Mexico.pdf “Science & Technology in Mexico.” (n. d). Europa. Retrieved from: http://ec.europa.eu/research/iscp/countries/mexico/mx-doc2.pdf. Read More