Mexico debates health reform to mandate cancer treatment within 60 days

The Mexican Chamber of Deputies is set to debate a healthcare reform aimed at establishing a maximum 60-day window for patients to begin cancer treatments within public institutions. The initiative, promoted by the Commission for Comprehensive Cancer Care in Mexico (Caic)—an alliance of 38 civil organizations—was unanimously approved by the Lower House Health Commission.

The proposed reform seeks to transform the National Cancer Registry into a mandatory public interest tool to better inform sanitary decisions regarding diagnoses and treatments. Additionally, the legislation aims to ensure continuity of care, allowing patients to be referred to other medical units if local capacity is insufficient.

Other key provisions include measures to prevent financial discrimination against cancer survivors and mechanisms to ensure that medical treatment for pediatric patients is not interrupted when they reach adulthood. Pedro Mario Zenteno Santaella, President of the Health Commission, indicated that the proposal is expected to reach the plenary session starting November 15, before the current legislative period concludes in mid-December.