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Mexico Plans To Make Medicine Free And Centralize Their Distribution

David León will be in charge of the new enterprise from the Mexican government in charge of distributing medication.
Office of the Mexican President
David León will be in charge of the new enterprise from the Mexican government in charge of distributing medication.

MEXICO CITY — After facing criticism for cutting costs in the health care system, the Mexican president is launching a groundbreaking strategy. And part of the plan involves a future coronavirus vaccine and more supplies bought from the U.S. 

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said his government will create a state-owned company to distribute medicine throughout Mexico.  

"How come sodas, and I'm not calling for any specific brand, and bags of potato chips reach every corner of the country, but not the medication?" López Obrador inquired during a press conference.

The president promised not only to provide medicines everywhere in Mexico, but also to eventually make them free for everyone.

Mexico will sign an agreement with the United Nations to regulate and bring more pharmaceuticals from overseas, including the U.S. This would include a future vaccine for COVID-19, if available.

→  Read The Latest News On The Coronavirus Disease 

Rodrigo Cervantes was KJZZ’s bureau chief in Mexico City from 2016 to 2021.