Indeed, it has been correctly asserted that the health of a nation depends on the health of its people. The case in Mexico as a nation cannot qualify as exemplary. However, neither can the state be assessed as being poor. The compromise position, therefore, is that the health of the nation is fair. This conclusion is arrived at after due consideration of the state of affairs. The paper shall canvass the considerations and equally move a step to giving three recommendations for the country and its leadership. On the onset, the paper’s assessment is that Mexico is on the right tract and that with continual improvement, the nation stands to improve its status both in terms of health, economics, politics and other relevant sectors.
The fair assessment as to the state of health of the nation has been arrived at with due consideration of a few parameters. Some of the critical parameters will be discussed in the ensuing sections. For starters, one needs to consider the poverty index. Indeed, the nexus between poverty and poor health is direct proportionality. This often the case because the poor are in many cases unable to access healthcare. In fact, the situation is not any different in Mexico. The poor lack the social security cover and remain uninsured by private insurance providers. However, only 2% of the population sits in this undesired situation. It is the postulation of this paper that with the passage of time, the economic improvement seen in the nation shall equally change the tables for this segment of the population.
Secondly, considering the main health conditions affecting the nation, it is this paper’s appreciation that Mexico is affected majorly by water borne diseases. These include conditions like variants of hepatitis, typhoid and malaria. The beauty of these diseases is that they are easily contained. In fact, save for hepatitis, the rest can be cured permanently. The bigger picture thus is that Mexico stands in a position of continuous improvement and consequential eradication of the prevalent diseases. It is on that premise that the paper assesses the state of health as fair given that the conditions though far from perfect, are headed for the better with the adoption of policies intended for improvement.
The last consideration as to the state of health of the nation relates to the accessibility of services in Mexico. Accessibility can be seen in two dimensions, these are, the demand and the supply. From a demand point of view, majority of the population are in gainful employment with 67% of the population being between ages 15 and 64 and remaining productive. This commutes into a market base that can easily afford commodities in the market. It is the economic ability that facilitates their state of health. On the other hand, one considers the supply side. The infrastructural development though not exemplary, is sufficient to facilitate commercial transactions and other activities. On that premise, the people are able to supply commodities to the markets and remain economically stable hence stay healthy. Factors such as labor, capital and infrastructure are well provided given the stable economic standing.
Given the fair evaluation of the state of health of Mexico, it is essential for the country leadership to take up some measures intended to make the fair position perfect. Three critical areas need input. These are the human rights regime, crime and the gender disparity in the labor market. To begin with, it is essential to strike the nexus between the three factors to the health of the nation. A regime that respects the human rights remains a healthy environment for productivity. Productivity leads to stability in the markets and abilities to afford the best healthcare. Secondly, crime is known as the largest impediment to success. A lawless society with runaway crime remains the haven for poverty and instability. The two are precursors to a state of poor health in the society. Lastly, gender equity enables the thriving of all genders in all sectors hence the maintenance of good health across board.
This paper recommends that the nation’s leadership pursue a more aggressive human rights regime that seeks to empower the populace. It is necessary that the people appreciate the rights and freedoms conferred to them merely from the dignified approach of treating humanity. Secondly, the same people should know that rights confer duties and, therefore, they are expected to observe all their legal duties. On the other hand, it is also necessary that the people appreciate the need for the rule of law and not the rule of man. This may be a tough calling given the infiltration of the Mexican market by native and foreign drug lords. However, it is incumbent on the leadership to pursue measures that put an end to the consumption, distribution and related transactions in drugs. The long chain of crime in Mexico may only be stopped once drug cartels are put off completely. Lastly, the nation’s leadership need to campaign for equality of the genders. The trajectory may be different and may include affirmative action where women are given preference against men in some of the nation’s employment opportunities. With all this in consideration, the state of health of the people of Mexico will only change for the better.
References
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Bealy, F., & Chapman, R. (2009). Elements in Political Science. London: Edinburgh University Press.
Lustig, N. (2008). Mexico, the remaking of an economy. Washington DC: The Brookings Institution.
Negroponte, D. (2013). The End of Nostalgia: Mexico Confronts the Challenges of Global Competition. Washington DC: Brookings Institution Press.
O'Neil, S. (2013). Two Nations Indivisible: Mexico, the United States, and the Road Ahead. London: Oxford University Press.
