Abstract

HOMEDES BEGUER, Núria  and  UGALDE, Antonio. 25 years of Decentralization of the Mexican Health System: An Experiment to Analyze. Rev. Gerenc. Polit. Salud [online]. 2008, vol.7, n.15, pp.26-43. ISSN 1657-7027.

This article analyzes the decentralization process of the Mexican health system that started in 1983. Based on a review of the literature, the authors reflect on the different decentralization attempts, motives, costs and impact. The Mexican government invested a significant amount of resources in this process and it had to overcome many unanticipated difficulties. The first decentralization phase was interrupted as a result of a deterioration of the health programs, and the second phase also suffered a setback in 2003 when the health reform was approved. After 25 years, the decentralization of the health system has not resulted in greater efficiency, improved managerial transparency or increased community participation, and has increased the inequity of the system.

Keywords : decentralization; neoliberalism; equity; Mexico; health planning; decentralization in government; health public policy.

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