- Within the list of health NOMs that were proposed for elimination is the one referring to breast cancer care.
- The Undersecretary of Health, Hugo López-Gatell, assures that those who are against this decision is because they protect commercial or corporate interests.
- A group of deputies from the Health Commission requested the intervention of the WHO to demand an explanation from the federal authorities.
The proposal to eliminate various Official Mexican Standards (NOM) for health has provoked strong controversy throughout the country. The issue divides opinions and there are both opinions for and against. But now the situation could escalate and become an international problem.
In chronological order, everything was triggered on June 1, 2023 when it was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) the Supplement to the National Quality Infrastructure Program 2023.
Opinions for and against the NOM
He Standardization Committee of the Ministry of Health (SSa)chaired by Hugo López-Gatell, proposed the Elimination of more than 30 health-related NOMs. The measure has not yet been approved, but the request has already been made and it could be a reality very soon.
Since then, various voices have spoken about it. Especially within doctors there has been strong opposition considering that it is a setback. They also mention that the most affected will be the patients because there will no longer be a standardization of care.
On the other hand, López-Gatell has defended his position. Within his arguments he mentions that there are more than 35,000 defined diseases and nowhere in the world, including Mexico, are there such a number of NOMs. One of the reasons is because they are not required to regulate the prescription, therapeutics and diagnosis of each of them.
He also said that those who are against the elimination of health NOMs it is because they protect commercial or corporate interests. Therefore he has made it clear that his intention is to continue despite the opposition.
Conflict could reach the WHO
While within the opponents is the federal deputy Éctor Jaime, who is a member of the Health Commission. Through her social networks, she shared a document in which she assures that the director of the World Health Organization (WHO) will request information from the Ministry of Health (SSa) about this arbitrary decision.
The Director of the WHO said that they will request information from the Ministry of Health for the elimination of #OfficialStandards
It is urgent that Gatell give explanations to all of us, his actions are endangering medical care
In the Health Commission of Deputies, various legislators… pic.twitter.com/inAmGLZP5n
— Dr. Éctor Jaime (@ectorjaime) June 9, 2023
Therefore, the problem could leave Mexico to reach international instances. He added that López-Gatell should also be asked for an explanation for his action because it would endanger medical care. He even mentions that in the Health Commission of Deputies various legislators came together to urgently request his appearance.
At the moment the health authorities have not published an official response. For this reason, a long dispute is expected before authorizing the proposal to eliminate the health NOMs.
List of health NOMs that were proposed for elimination
- NOM-014-SSA2-1994, For the prevention, treatment and control of cancer of the cervix and breast in primary care.
- NOM-041-SSA2-2011 for the prevention, diagnosis, control treatment and epidemiological surveillance of breast cancer.
- NOM-029-SSA3-2012 regulation of health services. For the practice of ophthalmic surgery with excimer laser.
- NOM-014-SSA3-2013 for social food assistance to risk groups.
- NOM-031-SSA3-2012 for social assistance. Provision of social assistance services to adults and older adults in situations of risk and vulnerability.
- NOM-032-SSA3-2010, Social assistance. Provision of social assistance services for children and adolescents in situations of risk and vulnerability.
- NOM-029-SSA2-1999, For epidemiological surveillance, prevention and control of leptospirosis in humans.
- NOM-033-SSA2-2011, For the surveillance, prevention and control of poisoning by scorpion stings.
- NOM-038-SSA2-2002, For the prevention, treatment and control of iodine deficiency diseases.
- PROY-NOM-042-SSA2-2017, Disease prevention and control. Sanitary specifications for centers for the prevention and control of zoonoses related to dogs and cats.
- PROY-NOM-029-SSA2- 2014, For the prevention and control of leptospirosis in humans.
- PROY-NOM-050-SSA2-2018, For the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding.
Also read:
Health NOM canceled by Hugo López-Gatell: This is the complete list
What do doctors think about the cancellation of the health NOMs?
AMLO minimizes the disappearance of the health NOM: “Those who oppose it are scoundrels”