security systems by means of the health care programmes being carried out by the Department of Health. Thus the greatest possible resources have been allocated to the health sector and work has continued on updating health legislation. This body of law is now dealing with questions that were not initially covered by health legislation, such as the prevention of disability and rehabilitation of the disabled; control over the disposal of organs; programmes against alcoholism, tobacco and drug degendence; protection of the health of children, the aged and the handicapped; and improvement and protection of the environment. 267. The General Health Act, which defines the basis and forms of access to the health services for the population, states that the services provided are of three types: public services for the population in general, based on the principles of universality and being free of charge; services for people covered by public social security organizations and their dependants; and social and private services vinder any form of contractual agreement. 268. In this connection, the Social Security Act, whose purpose is to guarantee man's right to health, medical care, protection of his means of subsistence and the social services needed for individual and collective wellbeing, lays the responsibility for the organization and administration of social security on the Mexican Social Security Institute, a decentrallized public body that provides the three types of service listed in the General Health Act throughout Mexico, without prejudice to other similar services. Thus, among the services provided by the Institute are insurance against non-occupational diseases and maternity insurance; insurance against accidents and occupational diseases; rehabilitation and readaptation services for the disabled; disability insurance; cause of death insurance; and retirement pensions, widow's pensions and orphan's allowances. There is also medical care for the dependants of subscribers to health insurance schemes.
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the health sector in Mexico, including the allocation of resources, health legislation, and services provided by the Mexican Social Security Institute. It also touches on the protection of the environment and the well-being of certain groups, such as children, the aged, and the handicapped. While there are some indirect connections to other areas, such as employment and humanitarian aid, the text's focus is predominantly on health-related issues.

**Category**
Health