CONSEQUENCES OF THE NORTH-AMERICAN FREE-TRADE AGREEMENT FOR HEALTH-SERVICES - A PERSPECTIVE FROM MEXICO

Objectives. The purposes of the study were to assess the potential imp act of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on medical care in Mexico and to identify internal measures Mexico could take to incr ease the benefits and minimize the risks of free trade. Methods. The d ual nature of the health sector is examined; the Mexican, Canadian, an d US health care systems are compared; and modes and consequences of i nternational exchange of health services are analyzed. Results. Four i ssues require immediate attention: accreditation of health care facili ties, licensing and certification of professionals, technology assessm ent, and financial equity. Conclusions. NAFTA offers opportunities for positive developments in Mexico, provided risks can be anticipated an d preventive measures can be taken to avoid negative impacts on the he alth system. Medical services, like other elements of the Mexican econ omy, must be modernized to respond to the demands of global competitio n. The Mexican National Academy of Medicine has recommended to the Mex ican government (1) internal strengthening of the Mexican health care system to improve its ability to respond to the new conditions created by NAFTA and (2) a gradual process to facilitate equitable and mutual ly beneficial interactions among the three countries.