[Evolution and revolution in health]

For the past several years, Mexico has experienced vast transitions which have had an effect on the state of health and the form in which its inhabitants are adequately cared for. The transitions--demographic, epidemiological, cultural/educational, economic, social, and political--show us how changes in the area of health come about. These can be grouped into two categories: (1) a new look at health care and (2) the accelerated progress in biomedical investigation. With regard to health care, the changes are directed towards a preventative emphasis rather than a curative one. This leads us to structural and functional redefinitions of health services. The government, since the past century, has put several experiments into practice (for the purpose of protecting vulnerable groups) by establishing institutions that have served as a foundation for the National Health System. These efforts intend to offer to everyone equal opportunities for the enjoyment of health. The second category shows the accelerated pace of biomedical research and its resulting beneficial achievements. It is now possible to offer better attention with more specific diagnosis and more efficient therapeutic measures.