Mexico City is home to one of the world's most significant hubs of medical science, particularly in the famed Zona de Hospitales in the Tlalpan district. This area hosts 13 public high-specialty hospitals, including the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán," Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, and Instituto Nacional de Cardiología. Private institutions like Médica Sur also enrich and complement the nation's medical services.
This concentration of hospitals reflects a continuous cultivation of medical professionals within the health sector. As of 2023, Mexico City boasts an estimated 53,000 medical specialists. The Zona de Hospitales has been a consistent presence since the early 20th century, serving as a cornerstone for medical advancement.
In 2010, recognizing the need to further elevate the health sector, an initiative was launched to create a complex dedicated exclusively to medical science: Campus Biometrópolis. This project was a collaboration between the then Government of the Federal District, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), private sector members, and Sam Pitroda—my mentor and a renowned scientist who revolutionized telecommunications in India.
Campus Biometrópolis was envisioned as a "Knowledge City," featuring a central "icon building" with spaces for research, technology development, hospitals, laboratories, housing, and recreation centers—all aimed at excellence in specialized medical care. This concept aligned with the trend of "knowledge cities," in which Sam Pitroda is an expert. Such cities become hubs that foster dialogue, innovation, and attract international investment and partnerships.
The project's goal was to enhance the quality of life for medical professionals by providing everything they needed within a single complex, thus reducing excessive commuting times in a sprawling city like Mexico City. Emphasizing sustainability, the plan aimed to be environmentally friendly by preserving surrounding natural habitats and efficiently utilizing resources like light and water.
Our intention was for 51% of the complex to be dedicated to health, science, research, and development, with the remainder focused on community living. This included 120,000 square meters for hospitals and 180,120 square meters for laboratories, with additional space for offices, commerce, and housing. The icon building was to be designed by the internationally acclaimed architectural firm Foster + Partners , known for landmarks like the Hearst Tower in New York and the Hong Kong International Airport.
Although Campus Biometrópolis was not realized at that time, the concept remains valid, awaiting the right circumstances and visionary leaders to revive it. The establishment of such a complex goes beyond mere construction; it's about concentrating specialized talent to interact and generate a dynamic that enriches knowledge. This, in turn, would significantly contribute to the advancement of science and the overall development of our country.
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