Chile and Mexico City advance cancer healthcare reforms

Chile is implementing a progressive expansion of its Explicit Health Guarantees (GES) regime to include all oncological pathologies between 2028 and 2031. This reform aims to address cancer as the country's leading cause of death, which currently accounts for approximately 30,000 deaths and 60,000 new diagnoses annually. The measure will provide universal access to rare or “orphan” cancers, such as pancreatic cancer and sarcomas, ensuring standardized care and reducing waiting times. Under the new system, Fonasa patients will benefit from zero copayments for consultations, exams, surgeries, and treatments, while Isapre patients will face a maximum copayment of 20%.

In Mexico City, the Green Party of Mexico has proposed the Law for the Prevention, Detection, Diagnosis, and Comprehensive Care of Cancer. The initiative seeks to establish universal and free access to all stages of medical care, including prevention, early detection, and specialized treatments, to eliminate economic barriers for patients. The proposal includes the creation of a Cancer Registry, a formal catalog of specialized services, and a public body to monitor oncological policies and integrate advanced medical technologies into the local health system.