From the Yaqui community of Vícam, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo led the inauguration of the IMSS-Bienestar Vícam Switch Rural Hospital, a new medical center with state-of-the-art equipment.
During the ceremony, the president reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening hospital infrastructure in Sonora and announced an investment of more than 700 million pesos to improve hospitals and equipment in the state.
The inauguration included the traditional deer dance and song ceremony, led by Yaqui authorities and representatives from all three levels of government. The event was attended by Governor Alfonso Durazo, federal and state health officials, as well as Indigenous and municipal leaders from the region.
Sheinbaum emphasized that the new rural hospital features specialized technology, placing the region at the forefront of medical care on par with large international units. The center has 14 consulting rooms, two operating rooms, two emergency rooms, 30 inpatient beds, and six neonatal intensive care units, as well as a laboratory, imaging suite, and pharmacy. The service is free and prioritizes care for the eight Yaqui communities: Vícam, Pótam, Tórim, Ráhum, Huírivis, Cócorit, Bácum, and Belem.
The president emphasized that this project promotes equity and guarantees the rights of indigenous communities. She noted that the government pursues a vision of social, environmental, and gender justice, which includes promoting Justice Plans for Indigenous Peoples.
Sheinbaum reported that this year the Yaqui communities will receive a direct budget of 150 million pesos to address social, water, and land infrastructure needs. In total, the resources allocated to Indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities in the country reach 13 billion pesos this year, in accordance with Article 2 of the Constitution, which recognizes their collective rights.
Alejandro Svarch Pérez, director of IMSS-Bienestar, explained that the additional investment announced by the president will allow for actions such as the rehabilitation of 53 state operating rooms, the expansion of the Ures community hospital, and the construction of an oncology center and a pediatric burn unit in Hermosillo. Additionally, a mental health hospital will be built in Cruz del Norte and an Expanded Health Center in Miguel Alemán, with specialists and surgical capacity.
The event was held outdoors; unlike other events held in the state, state health personnel participated, and they will work to improve care in the state.
Source: infobae
