The acronym IMSS means Mexican Institute of Social Security, which is popularly known as social security. This state institution has several functions: to provide a health system to citizens, to process the retirement pension and to promote the social protection of the population.
In this sense, the IMSS is a national public service and has its own legal regime. Its objective is to meet the needs of the community to promote social cohesion.
This institution is regulated by the social security law. The first articles of said law guarantee the right to health, the protection of social services to maintain the well-being of citizens and the right to a pension.
The IMSS was founded in 1943 and from its origins this body was made up of representatives of workers, employers and the government. Currently, this institution serves 55 million workers and their families, almost half of the Mexican population (according to official data from 2013, Mexico has a population of 122.3 million inhabitants).
Main coverage of the IMSS
The Mexican social security system contemplates a series of coverage for citizens:
- Insurance related to risks at work. In the event of accidents or illnesses that can affect workers, this body provides medical care, as well as compensation or a pension if necessary.
- Insurance for illnesses not related to work activity. On the other hand, the expenses associated with the maternity of working women are covered.
- There is disability and life insurance and, on the other hand, a nursery service and some social benefits.
IMSS activities
In addition to the specific coverage that it offers to its associates, this institution carries out a series of actions. Some of them are the following:
1) preparation of technical reports to improve public health (for example, in relation to the prevention of adolescent pregnancy),
2) studies on public finances,
3) statistical analysis on all types of matters of national interest (employment, health or training) and
4) promotion of medical research.
Of course, the IMSS makes its services known through its official website and in this way citizens can access any information they need.
Photos: Fotolia - Fotopoly / waelkhalil
