### Crackdown on Illegal Medical Pass Sales in Tijuana: Sold for Over $150
The Tijuana City Council has intensified efforts to combat the illegal sale of medical passes, according to Luis Cañedo Ángulo, Secretary of Municipal Economic Development. He noted that inspection booths have been modernized, and investigations into social media platforms where these passes are offered are underway to gather evidence against those engaged in these illicit activities.
Cañedo Ángulo explained that each medical pass costs professionals about 380 pesos. However, during holidays or peak times at International Garitas, these passes are being sold for over $150. He reiterated the tempting nature of the illegal trade but stressed that the program is not intended for such purposes. “We will take action against anyone caught. Even if they blame the Secretariat, the person responsible for the transaction will face consequences,” he said.
While the offending person will not face economic sanctions or judicial proceedings, they will be removed from the list of those authorized to receive medical passes. “Losing this privilege is a stronger deterrent than any financial penalty,” added Cañedo Ángulo.
The municipal administration collected 21 million pesos from the sale of medical passes in August, an increase from the previous months’ collection of 16 million. This rise indicates the effectiveness of the measures taken to address the issue. On average, around 1,400 medical passes are issued daily, totaling more than 43,000 passes per month.
### Related News: Surge in Medical Tourism and Its Impacts on Tijuana
Tijuana’s medical tourism has been slowly rebounding following a 40% decline in the past years, as reported by local authorities. The city is known for its affordable and quality medical services, attracting numerous international visitors. However, the illegal sale of medical passes poses a threat to this recovering industry.
Amid these ongoing challenges, the Tijuana City Council is also dealing with other pressing issues. For instance, there have been calls to review the issuance process of driving licenses and address the rising concern of alcohol abuse among the youth, who reportedly start drinking as early as 12 years old. Furthermore, the consumption of fentanyl has increased over the last two years, leading to public health alerts about various adulterated substances, like mezcal that smells of antibacterial agent.
Additionally, tourism between San Ysidro and Tijuana has encountered delays due to new cross-border inspection protocols, causing wait times of over an hour for travelers. In legislative matters, there have been delays in establishing committees in the Chamber of Deputies, with some proposed reforms facing potential nullification due to procedural issues.
In other local developments, new initiatives are encouraging residents to reduce plastic usage. For example, the community in Florido’s first section exchanged recycled plastic for gardening tools. Meanwhile, Tijuana’s schools face staffing challenges, as seen at the “José Santos Valdez” primary school, where parents protested the lack of teachers.
These issues highlight the diverse range of challenges and developments in Tijuana, as the city continues to navigate its path forward.