**Rehiring Tijuana General Hospital Nurses Leaves Future Uncertain**
In a recent turn of events, 56 nurses from Tijuana General Hospital (HGT) who were previously laid off find themselves in a state of uncertainty despite being rehired. These nurses had been pressing for secure employment through the transition to the IMSS-Bienestar program, as promised by health authorities earlier in the year. However, uncertainty persists about their job stability beyond December 15th.
Samuel Montoya, one of the nurses, expressed his apprehensions, sharing that they were dismissed via a WhatsApp message in August due to budget constraints. Following a protest at the hospital on October 2, they were told they could continue working temporarily until mid-December. “We live with the uncertainty of what will happen after December 15,” Montoya said, highlighting promises of positions at the new East Zone General Hospital that were largely unmet.
The group of nurses recently appealed to Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, the Governor of Baja California, during her visit to the Center for High Performance. The Governor listened to their concerns, with nurse Betsaida Miranda hopeful for a resolution. Despite their temporary contracts that offer no benefits, the nurses continue to work under challenging conditions, including dealing with infectious diseases.
**Update on Healthcare and Community Concerns in Baja California**
In related news, the IMSS in Baja California has denied any shortages of medication at Clinic 20 in Tijuana, following public concerns. Meanwhile, the construction of the new East Zone Hospital has been completed, but an official opening date is yet to be announced, adding to community uncertainties.
Moreover, the business sector in Tijuana is taking steps to support local enterprises. Efforts are underway to provide credits to small businesses to combat informality, boosting economic stability for countless micro and small entrepreneurs in the region.
In Tijuana’s leisure and tourism sector, despite ongoing works being halted at the Playa de Tijuana boardwalk due to regulatory non-compliance, tourists continue to visit the area. The state’s Civil Protection halted these works in September.
Further, an emphasis on regional security is in focus, with plans to establish a State Security Regional Table in Tijuana, aiming to tackle the high incidence of security breaches.
Lastly, the region is gearing up for health challenges, as the IMSS launches a vaccination campaign against influenza and COVID-19, providing free doses across various accessible locations. This is timely, given existing gaps in basic services such as water, drainage, and electricity in 53 identified high-margination zones throughout Baja California, as reported in a recent state diagnosis.