By KELIN DILLON

According to an announcement made by Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) General Director Zoé Robledo on Tuesday, Oct. 11, Mexico’s federal government will begin hiring 749 foreign doctors to come and work in IMSS facilities in remote areas of the country beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

Robledo detailed that Mexico is seeking medical professionals in 43 different specialties – including cardiologists, vascular specialists, surgeons, rheumatologists and intensive care doctors – who would be sent out to 54 preselected hospitals located across 13 Mexican states.

Applicants must meet specific requirements like possessing a valid passport and fluent Spanish, and supplying an accurate résumé and letter of recommendation from a previous employer to qualify for the open positions. 

If the application is approved, Mexico will apply the professionals with all the proper immigration procedures, said Robledo.

Robledo noted that Mexico is currently operating at a deficit of 1,750 general practitioners, 550 nurses and 1,357 technical nursing staff across IMSS facilities. 

As a result, the Mexican government will be issuing a nationwide call for nurses and general practitioners to work as the first level of care for some of Mexico’s most rural communities.