IMSS Deploys Preventive Measures in Sinaloa After Guzmán’s Arrest

The IMSS is implementing preventive measures to protect affiliates and health professionals in Sinaloa after the turmoil generated following the arrest of Ovidio Guzmán. The institute aims to guarantee care to critical patients, keep offering medical emergency and surgical services and ensure the availability of medical supplies for medical emergencies. 

“In light of Culiacan’s scenario, the IMSS has taken preventive measures to protect personnel and affiliates. The attention to critical and surgical patients and that of medical emergencies is being guaranteed. Thanks to all the personnel that has stayed in the operation to safeguard lives,” tweeted Zoé Robledo, Director General, IMSS.

The Government of Mexico confirmed yesterday the arrest of Ovidio Guzmán López, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, as reported by MBN. Economic activities in the area are on hold as the operation unleashed shootings and blockades in various regions of Culiacan and surrounding towns. Consequently, the population has been urged to stay home. “Given the events that are taking place in Culiacan, I invite the citizens to remain calm and take shelter at home. The authorities are executing their tasks and we will keep you informed,” said Rubén Rocha, Sinaloa’s Governor.

To face this crisis, the IMSS published a list of five strategic actions to protect people while ensuring essential health services. The Institute has decided to close Family Medicine Units (UMF), nurseries and four sub delegations. Also, external consultation and programmed surgeries are going to be canceled. Furthermore, IMSS will guarantee fuel to power energy plants in medical units. Personnel and supplies will also be available for critical and surgical patients and medical emergencies services. IMSS will also identify critical and post-surgical patients to guarantee their care. 

Additionally, IMSS’s Decentralized Administrative Operation Body (OOAD) informed that Zone General Hospitals No.30 in Guamuchil and No.32 in Guasave have suspended specialty consultations. The Gynecology-Pediatrics Hospital (HGP) has done the same.

Sinaloa’s Government is resuming activities today except in Culiacan. The arrest of Ovidio Guzmán resulted in the death of 10 soldiers and 19 alleged hitmen, as well as injuries to 35 soldiers, as reported by Luis Cresencio Sandoval, Minister of SEDENA. As of today, no civilian deaths have been reported. “We are very sorry for the loss of life, especially those who lost their lives in the line of duty: soldiers and members of the Guard,” said President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.