Primary Health Care Operational Experience in Mexico City DF

Problems associated with the provision of primary health care (PHC) in a large urban area continue to perplex health planners throughout the world. Drawing on research carried out in Mexico City DF in 1987–8,1 this paper examines the operational difficulties and problems one Mexican health institution has experienced as it endeavours to provide a PHC system. The health institution under analysis is the Secretaria de Saludridad y Asistencia (SSA). Detailed statistical information is restricted to one part of the DF, comprising the four delegations (political administrative units) of Iztacalco, Iztapalapa, Tlahuac and Venustiano Carranza. These delegations formed the eastern administrative sector of the SSA until 28 February 1988. A resume of other health institutions also operating in the DF is provided by Ward (1987).