Analysis and reflections on the 2019 initiative that reforms Mexico’s Ley General de Salud

The initiative including an Act Project for reforming the Ley General de Salud of Mexico, submitted in 2019 to the Congress of the Union, proposes the creation of a system of universal and free access to health services and associated medicines for the population lacking of social security benefits, and the creation of the Instituto de Salud para el Bienestar. This article analyzes the substantive aspects of the project, with the aim of motivating the reflection of the proposed reform and its most important components, to contribute to achieving its aim. The conclusion is that the main themes of the Project require precision in relevant areas, such as the transformation of the financing scheme for care, the strengthening of stewardship and governance, the responsibility in the provision of services, and the regulation and access to medicines. The contributions of academics, decision makers and social organizations will be essential to create a public health policy based on evidence and social equity.