Yeusvi Flores: Cofepris makes the difference

On July 5th, the anniversary of the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks, better known as Cofepris, was commemorated. This institution, part of the Ministry of Health, is obscure to many citizens, but its actions have a profound impact on our daily lives.

Founded in 2001, its main mission is to protect the population from health risks. It is responsible for evaluating and authorizing the marketing of medicines, vaccines, medical devices, food, beverages, cosmetics, hygiene products, dietary supplements, tobacco, pesticides, and more.

Their job is to ensure that everything that could affect our health has been previously evaluated using scientific and technical criteria, meeting quality, safety, and efficacy standards.

In the medical field, their role is vital. No medication can be sold in Mexico without a health authorization issued by Cofepris. This means that it has undergone a detailed review of its ingredients, therapeutic effects, clinical studies, and potential side effects.

The commission also approves generic drugs, which has allowed millions of people to access more affordable treatments without sacrificing quality.

It also regulates medical devices, from the simplest, such as syringes or bandages, to the most sophisticated, such as ventilators, pacemakers, or imaging equipment. All of these products must meet strict standards to ensure they do not pose a risk to patients. It also oversees healthcare facilities—hospitals, doctors' offices, laboratories, and clinics—requiring them to comply with standards regarding infrastructure, cleanliness, trained personnel, and hazardous waste management, among other aspects.

Another of its battlefronts is the detection and elimination of "miracle" products, those that promise to cure everything from obesity to cancer, without scientific evidence. Cofepris constantly issues health alerts to warn the public about irregular or dangerous products that can cause harm. It also monitors advertising related to health products, demanding that they be clear, truthful, and not misleading. This is especially important in the age of social media, where misinformation can put many people's lives at risk.

Cofepris works in coordination with national and international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO). It also collaborates with the pharmaceutical industry, academics, scientists, and civil society to stay abreast of constant medical and technological advances. Its work is not only regulatory but also educational. It promotes campaigns for the proper use of medications, poisoning prevention, proper pesticide management, and a culture of self-care.

Thanks to Cofepris, we can trust that the medication we take, the vaccine we receive, or the hospital we visit has been previously evaluated according to scientific criteria. Although sometimes silent, it is always present in every aspect of our health and is, without a doubt, a fundamental pillar of the Mexican healthcare system.

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