Mexico is taking a landmark step in public health starting Monday, as the country begins rolling out a programme that will give all citizens the ability to walk into any public hospital or clinic and be seen, no matter where they're enrolled or whether they're enrolled at all. President Claudia Sheinbaum signed the decree herself, bringing together the three networks that have historically operated in silos: IMSS, ISSSTE, and IMSS-Bienestar.

The first practical sign of the change will be a new Universal Health Credential, with sign-ups opening on April 13. The rollout starts with those aged 85 and over, working down from there. By 2027, the card is set to double up as an official national ID, and a mobile app is in the works that will let people pull up their medical records, test results and health history all in one place.