[Analysis of the internal coherence of the Mental Health and Addictions Program of Mexico 2020-2024]

To analyse the internal coherence of the Specific Mental Health and Addictions Program 2020-2024 (PAE-SM20-24) of the Health Secretary of Mexico.

Qualitative descriptive analysis of the logic connection and causal articulation between the objectives, the strategies, and the specific actions of the PAE-SM20-24.

PAE-SM20-24 formulates 3 priority objectives, 9 priority strategies, and 49 specific actions. The formulation of the objectives, strategies and actions lacks the necessary structure to define the who, how, where, and when. Neither does it establish financing sources, the mechanisms for resource administration, nor the strategies and actions that are needed to restructure the functions of the participating institutions. It does not define the mechanisms for social participation nor any clear actions for intersectoral work. The actions that are presented are limited to rhetoric proposals to promote, encourage, support, strengthen, and foster, which do not allow us to determine tangible effects due to their implementation. In general terms, the formulation of the program is ambiguous.

PAE-SM20-24 lacks internal coherence, which means that there is only a medium connection between its objectives, strategies, and specific actions. This jeopardizes its implementation and, therefore, its potential to contribute to the improvement of public policy related to mental health and addictions in the country.