Until recently, the health system in the state of Sonora, Mexico, discriminated against state workers with preexisting health conditions. While the state government claimed insufficient funds to provide better health coverage, civil society groups used access to information laws to prove them wrong.
Sonora Ciudadana, an Open Society Foundations grantee, used state and federal access to information laws to document the problem. With support from Fundar Center for Analysis and Investigation, they organized an advocacy and litigation campaign, “The Rebellion of the Sick” (La Rebelión de los Enfermos), to challenge the government and to allow discriminated public employees to access benefits on an equal basis with others.
The campaign successfully challenged the state government of Sonora in the National Supreme Court and local courts, resulting in decisions calling for healthcare reform. The government of Sonora, however, argued that it lacked the financial resources to eliminate the regulation.
The campaign documented excessive and unwise spending, such as $400,000 for a flamenco dancer. Through TV spots, banners, and press articles, the campaign increased pressure on the state government.
As a result, in December 2010, the state government amended local health policy to ensure that all state workers, regardless of preexisting conditions, receive adequate healthcare.
The campaign will continue its work in 2011 to achieve similar results in other Mexican states.