**Former COEPRIS Commissioner in Baja California Seeks Position in Health Sector**
In August 2021, former commissioner David Gutiérrez Inzunza filed a lawsuit with Baja California’s Local Conciliation and Arbitration Board, aiming for reinstatement to his previous position as a Technician in Verification, Dictaminación or Sanitation “C” of the Health Secretariat. According to Gutiérrez, the case did not advance due to unexplained reasons.
Gutiérrez, who served under Governor Jaime Bonilla Valdez, claims that Oscar Alonso Pérez Rico, the then Health Secretary, obstructed his return to his post. “I joined the Health Department in 1980 and those who started before February 23, 1983, are considered permanent despite having a trust code. My position was illegally and immorally taken away,” Gutiérrez explained.
He emphasized that his removal lacked proper procedure, stating, “Without any summons or representation from my union, I was never informed or part of an act to strip my position.”
Regarding the reason for leaving COEPRIS, Gutiérrez expressed dissatisfaction with Pérez Rico’s management style. Their disagreements led him to step down from his commissioner role, citing a lack of institutional harmony. In early 2021, Pérez Rico accused Gutiérrez of blackmail in a social media message read during Governor Bonilla’s morning briefing, prompting an investigation that later exonerated him.
Gutiérrez, a member of the Health Secretariat Workers’ Union Section 24, also mentioned losing his union rights, with claims that the union refused to defend him based on alleged directives against supporting workers no longer considered affiliated.
**Additional Coverage on the Health Sector Situation in Baja California**
**Wave of Health Worker Protests Highlights Staffing Shortages**
Recently, Baja California has witnessed a series of protests by health workers demanding better working conditions and addressing ongoing staffing shortages. These demonstrations highlight the strain on the healthcare system, exacerbated by the pandemic and increased patient demands.
Medical professionals in the region argue that inadequate staffing leads to overwork and fatigue, compromising patient care quality. The calls for hiring more staff emphasize the necessity of expanding the workforce to ensure comprehensive health service delivery.
The Health Secretariat has acknowledged the grievances and promised to address personnel issues. However, union representatives argue that progress remains slow, calling for urgent action to meet healthcare demands effectively.
As the situation unfolds, the region’s health sector faces continuous challenges, balancing between improving conditions for its workforce and providing quality care to its population. This precarious scenario underscores the need for strategic planning and investment in the health system infrastructure.