Although the State Congress approved an increase in the health budget in 2024, increasing it from 300,000 to 3,760,000 pesos, this has not been sufficient, as the Durango State Mental Health Institute (ISMED) alone was projected to have a budget of 700,000 pesos in 2023.
Therefore, in the context of the commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day, National Action Party (PAN) representative Gabriela Vázquez Chacón emphasized that it is necessary to expand the budget for mental health care because there is much that needs to be done.
I hope that in 2026 we can allocate more money to this area. This is something I will promote from my position as president of the Board of Directors of the State Congress. Gabriela Vázquez Chacón
She also emphasized that the federal government unfortunately reduced 44 billion pesos in health funding for the state. “This is sad because the normal thing would be to seek more resources, promote more public policies, and allocate more money for mental health,” commented the local legislator.
Durango has a current law on mental health; however, it needs to be fully implemented. Additionally, there are some initiatives pending approval for endorsements regarding suicide prevention.
Vázquez Chacón added that it is necessary to insist that this issue not be viewed as a minor issue, and she will insist that the representatives who make up the finance committee take a closer look at this matter. The same will be done with all state and municipal authorities, because while they are making a significant effort, it is also a reality that there is not enough money, but that should not be a limitation on their work.
In this sense, we must find a way to do so, while allocating resources responsibly because the issue of mental health concerns everyone. Local Representative
Finally, she reflected on the importance of ongoing campaigns for suicide prevention and mental health care, just as those aimed at preventing accidents are carried out.
Source: oem
