Mexico to implement AI system for medical supply distribution

The Mexican government has announced the creation of the Advisory Council for the Digital Transformation of the Health Sector. This group, composed of Mexican specialists in artificial intelligence, logistics, and engineering, will develop an automated system to modernize the distribution and tracking of medicines and medical supplies in public hospitals.

President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the initiative aims to solve persistent shortages and traceability issues, ensuring that purchased medications actually reach clinics and hospitals. The system is designed to monitor approximately 3 billion medical items distributed annually across more than 1,000 hospitals and 15,000 health centers. Key features will include real-time demand reporting, optimized distribution routes, and improved inventory management.

The project will initially focus on the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and IMSS-Bienestar, with implementation scheduled to begin in January 2027. The government emphasized that the system will be developed by national scientists and specialists rather than through external private contractors.