The Instituto de Seguridad Social del Estado de México y Municipios (ISSEMyM) is currently grappling with significant crises stemming from poor administrations and allegations of corruption. This precarious situation has prompted former employees to seek employment again due to unpaid pensions. The pension model at ISSEMyM dangles by a thread, having undergone various reforms aimed at adapting to the needs of the pension system and the economic conditions of the country.
Presently, the system is plagued by inequalities, financial risks, and transparency issues, which largely affect its most vulnerable population: the elderly. Pensioners have repeatedly taken to the streets to protest against delayed payments and shortages of medications. An analysis conducted by AD Noticias based on ISSEMyM's annual reports from 2020 to 2022 indicates severe shortcomings since 2016. The distribution of contributions from the solidarity system, where active workers fund pensions, has been insufficient to secure all pensions.
The 2021 report, covering the period from 2016 to 2020, shows regular incoming funds and interest failed to cover pension payments, raising alarms about the institute's financial stability for 2021. By the end of the 2022 fiscal year, there were approximately five active public servants for every pensioner, which is a drop from the 15 to 1 ratio seen back in 2000. This disproportion highlights the unsustainable nature of the current model, with pensioners sometimes earning more than active public employees.
From 2016 to 2022, ISSEMyM's annual fundraising has stagnated at around 12 billion pesos. Despite achieving its highest revenue of 13 billion pesos in 2019, pension expenditures have escalated yearly, leading to increasing deficits and denying many retirees access to dignified pensions. Workers, whose contributions are deducted from their paychecks, are often forced to look for alternative payment options.
Meanwhile, on February 5, Alfonso Rodríguez Manzanedo, ISSEMyM’s Coordinator of Administration and Finance, led meetings with the Health Services Coordination to assess the status of medication supplies. Recent updates indicated over 80% availability at the second- and third-level care units, and by February 23, the central ISSEMyM warehouses achieved 91% of necessary medication supplies. These coordinated efforts aim to guarantee all ISSEMyM pharmacies have more than the required 90% supply by the end of the month.
Despite official communications promising improvements, many patients, particularly those suffering from psychiatric conditions, cancer, and HIV, remain without necessary medications. A government announcement assured the public of guaranteed access to medicine through forthcoming acquisitions covering all of 2025, aiming to alleviate shortages by prioritizing high-demand units. Nonetheless, these commitments have yet to reflect real changes on the ground.
On the political side, recent protests demanding reforms to the ISSEMyM indicate widespread concern over the perceived lack of funds available for worker pensions and future retirements. Francisco Vázquez, the President of the Political Coordination Board of the State of Mexico's Legislature, stated the evaluation of these reforms continues, emphasizing the need to ascertain the financial viability before introducing legislative changes.
Vázquez underscored the urgent need for adequate financial injections to cover anticipated retirements, stating, "The ISSEMyM has a deficiency of about 10 to 15 billion pesos required to facilitate pensions." He highlighted the importance of restructuring the system to manage vacancies created by retirements without compromising existing services or employee availability. The future of ISSEMyM depends significantly on how these financial issues are addressed, particularly concerning staffing and service provisions.
While plans for reforms and legislation are under discussion, Vázquez cautioned against expecting immediate resolution due to the many pressing legislative matters, including various federal and electoral reforms. He insists, "A real financial support system must be established to assist ISSEMyM workers." The culmination of these issues promises to keep the spotlight on ISSEMyM, as pensioners and healthcare recipients continue their fight for stability and assurance of their rights.