**Retirees Demand Improvements in Emergency Services at IMSS Clinic 20 in Tijuana**
A group of retired and pensioned former employees of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) have raised concerns about the state of emergency services and medication supply at the IMSS Clinic 20 in Tijuana. Approximately 30 people gathered on a Thursday morning outside the clinic, located near the intersection of 5th and 10th streets, to demand enhancements to the current healthcare provisions.
Graciela Valle Orozco, a retired anesthesiologist and former IMSS worker, voiced strong dissatisfaction with the clinic’s conditions. “Patients are left standing in pain in the emergency room,” she stated, describing the situation as “undignified” for contributors who have paid into the system. Valle Orozco further added that Tijuana’s population growth has outpaced the capacity of existing healthcare facilities. She emphasized that the nearly half-century-old hospital has received insufficient maintenance, as evidenced by all three elevators being out of service, forcing patients to be carried upstairs.
In response, IMSS authorities in Baja California have announced that repairs on the elevators are underway and denied any shortages in medication. However, Valle Orozco argued that deeper issues remain, including inadequate infrastructure that necessitates the immediate construction of two new large IMSS hospitals. She also criticized the limitations placed on doctor-patient time, arguing that patient needs should dictate the duration of consultations.
**Secondary Article: Updates on Healthcare Challenges in Tijuana**
Recent healthcare challenges in Tijuana have sparked significant concern among the city’s residents. In addition to the issues at IMSS Clinic 20, a mechanical failure in the clinic’s elevators has reportedly delayed complex surgeries, adding more strain on rightsholders dependent on timely medical procedures.
Efforts are currently underway to address backlogs in healthcare services across Baja California, where local officials have acknowledged the necessity for system upgrades and the modernization of existing facilities. Attention has also been drawn to potential mismanagement and financial strains within the health sector, with reports of unjustified dismissals among nursing staff and claims of insufficient resources to cover salaries.
In parallel developments, approximately 110 neighborhoods in Tijuana are preparing for an impending water supply interruption due to a leak in the Otay-Airport aqueduct, expected to begin on Friday, October 4th. This adds another layer of complexity to the region’s ongoing public service challenges, demanding coordinated action to ensure minimal disruption to the local community.
Meanwhile, the federal government has announced a new welfare program designed to support women aged 60 to 64, providing a bi-monthly pension of 3,000 pesos beginning January 2025. As these challenges and responses unfold, many residents continue to call for more comprehensive and sustainable solutions to improve their quality of life and access to essential services.