President Claudia Sheinbaum signed a presidential decree on April 7 formally creating Mexico’s Universal Health Service (Servicio Universal de Salud), marking what she called “a historic step” toward guaranteeing free public health care for all Mexicans regardless of which institution they are affiliated with.
Registration for the new health care credential begins April 13, starting with Mexicans aged 85 and older. Sign-ups will continue through April 30, organized by age group and the first letter of registrants’ last names, at 2,059 Welfare Ministry modules located across the country.
The card will serve as an official form of identification and will eventually replace existing IMSS and ISSSTE membership cards. Deputy Health Minister Eduardo Clark said the credential is “the guarantee of the right to health care” for Mexican citizens and eligible foreign residents. It will include the holder’s name, CURP national ID code, blood type, organ donation information, and two QR codes that indicate the holder’s affiliated health provider and nearest clinic.
The long-term goal of the Universal Health Service is to allow any Mexican to seek treatment at any public health institution — IMSS, IMSS Bienestar, or ISSSTE — regardless of affiliation. That cross-institutional care is set to begin in phases starting January 1, 2027, initially covering emergency care, high-risk pregnancies, heart attacks, strokes, and breast cancer diagnosis.
A companion mobile app is also planned. In 2026 it will offer a digital version of the card and real-time information on nearby health facilities; by 2027 it will add appointment scheduling, medical history, and AI-assisted teleconsultation.
To register, Mexicans need to bring a government-issued photo ID, a certified CURP, proof of address from within the last six months, and a contact phone number. Modules are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Citizens and residents can find their nearest registration location at gob.mx/bienestar.
Mexico News Daily
This story contains press release summaries generated by Claude. It has been revised and fact-checked by a Mexico News Daily staff editor.
