Ministry of Health Announces Return to Mexico City

After nearly three years of decentralization efforts and a total expenditure of MX$333.2 million (US$16.5 million), the Ministry of Health (SSA) announced its return to Mexico City, following its failed attempt to establish operations in Acapulco, Guerrero.

On Dec. 16, 2024, SSA announced it would return to Mexico City in the Federal Official Gazette (DOF), marking the conclusion of an initiative that sought to relocate the ministry's operations to Acapulco.?

In 2021, SSA allocated MX$133 million for relocation efforts, followed by MX$82.7 million in 2022, and MX$117.5 million in 2023. These funds were used for office rehabilitation, capacity-building spaces, and infrastructure upgrades, including solar panels, reports El Sol de México. The decision to move SSA’s offices are part of a governmental initiative initiated by former President López Obrador, who aimed to distribute federal agencies across various states.

Despite the investments, the ministry faced significant setbacks, including extensive damage caused by Hurricane Otis in October 2023. The storm affected office structures, systems, and equipment, resulting in the loss of the solar panels installed during the relocation process.