By Octavio de la Torre de Stéffano
President of Concanaco Servytur
Reflecting on health in our country means focusing not only on numbers, statistics, or institutional programs, but also on every Mexican who places their trust in the system we have built together. Health is the most fundamental right and the most valuable gift we can secure for our families and future generations. As President of the Concanaco Servytur, Confederación Nacional de Cámaras de Comercio, Servicios y Turismo (National Confederation of Chambers of Commerce, Services, and Tourism), I recognize the enormous responsibility we share with the State and workers to strengthen this system.
During my recent participation in the IMSS Assembly, I reaffirmed what I have always believed: the tripartite model works. It is, in fact, a proven approach based on dialogue, shared responsibility, and tangible results. Thanks to the vision of General Lázaro Cárdenas, who designed an administration where the State, workers, and employers collaborate as equal partners, the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (Mexican Social Security Institute, IMSS) has become the backbone of social security in Mexico.
Today, more than ever, IMSS is not just an institution –it is a living testament to what we can achieve when we work together.
Health: Today’s Challenges, Tomorrow’s Actions
Mexico faces challenges that cannot be ignored. Chronic-degenerative diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity have reached epidemic proportions. Additionally, mental health conditions affect not only individual well-being but also productivity and quality of life.
In the business sector, we understand the gravity of this situation. That’s why we have taken firm steps to promote health in our workplaces. A clear example is the Entornos Laborales Seguros y Saludables (Safe and Healthy Work Environments Program, ELSSA), created to prevent workplace risks and foster safe environments.
Since its launch in 2022, the results have been encouraging:
• Over 14,000 companies actively participating
• More than 104,000 workplace consultations conducted
• 4.1 million workers directly benefiting
• 16,559 ELSSA distinctions awarded to companies committed to health
These figures are not just statistics; they represent the productive sector’s commitment to workers. Each participating company is another step toward a Mexico where workplace health is the rule, not the exception.
Our Voice, Our Strength
Representing over 2 million affiliated businesses and nearly 4.8 million family-owned companies, small businesses, and major corporations is both a privilege and a responsibility. As a sector, we contribute 66% of the national GDP, create seven out of ten formal jobs, and account for a significant portion of the country’s tax revenue.
But beyond numbers, we are a living network in every community. We are the small grocery store owned by Doña María in Campeche, the mechanic’s shop, the restaurant, the family-run hotel. We are those who, day after day, give it their all to move forward, as Doña María herself reminded me:
“Presidenta Claudia Sheinbaum, I’m sharing what she asked me to say: ‘We trust you and stand with you. Even though we are small, we work hard.’”
And it’s true –small and medium-sized businesses are the beating heart that keeps Mexico alive.
Inspiring Results
IMSS has made significant progress in recent years. The digitalization of administrative procedures has simplified life for millions of members, and a 45% reduction in service-related complaints shows we are on the right track. Moreover, integrating 53.7 million digital medical records marks a milestone in modernizing the healthcare system.
We must also recognize the medical and nursing staff –true earthly angels who care for our families. With more than 117,000 professionals on staff, their dedication deserves our deepest gratitude.
While there are still opportunities to improve services, I am confident that through our business sector representatives in each delegation, we will contribute our professionalism and dedication to substantially enhancing the quality and warmth of healthcare services.
A Future Built on Unity
The road ahead is long, but if there is one thing we have learned from the tripartite model, it is that collaboration can overcome any obstacle. At Concanaco Servytur, we are ready to contribute:
• Through programs like Distintivo Rosa, promoting women’s health
• Through México Verde, supporting environmental sustainability
• Through initiatives like Sueño Deportivo, fostering community bonds and healthy lifestyles
Every effort toward health is an act of love for our country. It is time to dream big and build together a future where every Mexican can access high-quality, compassionate healthcare services.
As I stated during the assembly:
“Health is the heartbeat that unites our differences and reminds us that we are one heart beating for Mexico.”
Let’s build the Mexico we deserve, together.
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