Mexico City Strengthens Healthcare Access for Homeless Population
Mexico City, May 28, 2026 – Access to medical services for people experiencing homelessness remains one of the main public health challenges in the capital. Specialists and organizations working with this population have warned for years that the lack of timely care exacerbates physical illnesses, mental disorders, and addiction problems, in addition to increasing the risks of violence and premature death.
In this context, the Mexico City Congress unanimously approved an initiative to guarantee comprehensive, accessible, and timely care for people living on the streets. This will be achieved through actions such as mobile health units and direct care programs.
🏛⚕🚑 The #CongresoCDMX approved actions to guarantee free access to healthcare for people experiencing homelessness, through programs such as Mobile Health and Wellness Units. A measure that strengthens the right to dignified care in the capital. 📈
– Mexico City Congress (@Congreso_CdMex) May 27, 2026
According to the 2025 Census of People Experiencing Homelessness, 2,869 individuals were registered in this condition in Mexico City.
Illnesses and Barriers to Care
The organization El Caracol A.C., dedicated to supporting the street population, has documented that many people face respiratory illnesses, skin infections, malnutrition, diabetes, hypertension, and mental health problems without continuous access to medical treatment.
Furthermore, it states that one of the most frequent obstacles to receiving care is the lack of official documents, proof of address, or institutional affiliation. These requirements often prevent consultations, clinical studies, or medical follow-up.
For its part, the National Human Rights Commission has warned in various reports that people experiencing homelessness often face discrimination within public institutions, including health services, which causes many to avoid going to hospitals or medical centers even when they have serious illnesses.
Mental Health and Substance Use
Mental health specialists have also insisted that care for the street population requires psychological support and specialized treatment for substance use.
The Pan American Health Organization has noted that homeless individuals exhibit higher levels of anxiety, depression, problematic alcohol and drug use, and less access to continuous treatment.
Fundación Casa Alianza México has warned about the impact of domestic violence, abuse, and social exclusion on children and adolescents who end up living on the streets or in highly vulnerable contexts.
Caritas Archdiocese of Mexico and the Institute of Social Assistance and Integration have pointed out that the lack of continuous medical and psychological care often exacerbates physical illnesses, emotional disorders, and addictions among the street population.
These organizations have insisted on the need to bring medical brigades and health services directly to streets, camps, and temporary shelters. This is because many people do not go to hospitals for fear of discrimination, lack of official documents, or institutional distrust.
Close Attention to Ensure Continuity
The approved initiative contemplates that the capital’s Health System will promote programs such as Mobile Health and Wellness Units to bring consultations and medical care closer to those who cannot regularly go to hospitals.
Legislators who supported the proposal agreed that many people experiencing homelessness have historically remained outside public care systems, despite facing conditions of extreme vulnerability.
Support and Dignified Treatment for People Experiencing Homelessness
Specialists in community intervention and public health have also highlighted the importance of constant support to achieve care and social reintegration processes.
Researcher Patricia Cravioto has pointed out in various analyses on social exclusion and addictions that continuity in support is key for people experiencing homelessness to maintain medical and psychological treatments.
Likewise, specialists from the Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz National Institute of Psychiatry have warned that institutional rejection and stigma often cause many people to abandon care processes before completing them.
Civil organizations and community workers agree that effective medical care for the street population requires proximity, follow-up, and the building of trust. This is especially true in cases related to mental health, substance use, or chronic diseases.
Source: https://siete24.mx/mexico/cdmx/cdmx-refuerza-atencion-medica-a-personas-en-situacion-de-calle/
