## IMSS Baja California Denies Medication Shortage at Tijuana’s Clinic 20
The Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) representative for the state of Baja California, Desirée Sagarnaga Durante, addressed concerns regarding a rumored medication shortage at Clinic 20 in Tijuana. According to Durante, the clinic maintains a medication supply rate of nearly 96%, contradicting claims of shortages. She invited those raising concerns to meet on a specified Wednesday to discuss the matter but did not receive a response.
Durante clarified that the individuals protesting do not belong to the official union of Social Security workers, casting doubt on the origins of their information. She encouraged the protesters, who have called for rallies citing both medication shortages and mechanical failures delaying surgeries due to elevator issues, to present their case in person.
Despite reports of disruptions, Durante stressed that there’s no hindrance in the supply of medications. If a specific medication is lacking, the clinic sources it from other hospitals within the municipality. Additionally, she emphasized that all infrastructure investments and resource allocations for hospitals in the state are documented in Baja California’s State Transparency System.
On the topic of medical equipment, Durante acknowledged minor shortages, such as variations in the size of medical gauze, but insisted these details do not significantly impact patient care.
## Mechanical Elevator Failure Postpones Surgeries at Clinic 20
Coinciding with the medication shortage disputes is an unrelated issue: mechanical failures of the elevators at Clinic 20. These failures have delayed complex surgeries for patients, adding to the existing challenges the facility faces. The issue has led to plans for around 36 surgeries to be rescheduled from October 4th to 6th, affecting numerous patients dependent on these operations.
## Industry Impact and Protests
Separately, local industry in Baja California may experience impacts from unrelated events, such as ongoing strikes at U.S. ports on the west coast, as workers demand higher wages. These labor movements echo the calls for better conditions seen in protests by former health workers in Tijuana. There are also discussions about the expansion and improvement of local public health services as part of an overarching wellness initiative expected by 2025.
Additionally, Tijuana remains a cultural hub with upcoming free concerts featuring artists like Julieta Venegas in a series called “Territories of Equality,” set for November.
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