Sheinbaum Opens New IMSS Hospital—Right Before the Seafood Fest

If you’re heading to Cocina la Baja today, make a pit stop on your way. President Claudia Sheinbaum is in Ensenada this Saturday, July 12, and she’s not just here for the view—she’s cutting the ribbon at one of the most important medical projects in decades: the brand-new IMSS Bienestar Regional Hospital No. 23.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand-new IMSS hospital, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum herself, is scheduled for 2:00 PM. Yep—the exact same time Cocina la Baja kicks off. So if you’re torn between fresh seafood and fresh medical facilities… we totally get it. Priorities, right?

A Big Dose of Hope

Set right by El Ciprés (Av. Reforma and Calle Margaritas, Ex Ejido Chapultepec), this public hospital is expected to serve over 300,000 residents across the region. We’re talking 216 hospital beds, 32 specialties, and fully-equipped facilities for oncology, dialysis, pediatrics, and general surgery. And it’s all under the IMSS Bienestar model, which means free care for anyone without social security coverage.

Yep, real healthcare—no fine print, no wallet pain.

Years in the Making

This is the first federally built hospital in Ensenada in over 60 years. After some partial operation last year, the hospital is now officially open and ready to get to work. The site was donated by the state government, and today marks the full launch.

Local officials—Governor Marina del Pilar and Secretary of Health José Adrián Medina—are also attending. Just one thing to note: while the building is top-notch, the staffing and supplies still need to catch up. Progress, but not perfection.

The President’s Health Tour

Sheinbaum’s not just stopping in Baja. She’s on a larger tour of IMSS Bienestar facilities nationwide. This program is part of a broader push to deliver health services to people who’ve been left out of Mexico’s social security system.

The federal government is teaming up with states like Baja California to ensure staffing, meds, and funding actually show up where they’re needed. A good start, but the work’s just beginning.

🌮 Bonus Tip: Sheinbaum Before Seafood

Now here’s a local hack: if you’re heading to Cocina la Baja 2025 at Estero Beach this afternoon, guess what’s right on the way? Yep—the new hospital. Swing by, snap a photo with the President, and send it our way!

Oh, and while you’re hunting oysters and abalone later, keep your eyes peeled for Leonardo Quintero. He’ll be covering Cocina la Baja for us today. Tell him we said hi—and maybe share your best bite.

Projecto El Sauzal: Ask the President

If you’ve got questions—like what’s happening with El Sauzal port or road upgrades, or how this hospital ties into broader regional plans—today’s your chance. Residents have concerns about the El Sauzal megaproyecto, including environmental risks and changes to the local economy  . The President and your local officials will be there—drop by, ask away, and get informed.

🟣 No Bad News. Just fresh hospitals, fresh seafood, and fresh reasons to celebrate Baja.

Luisa Rosas-Hernández

Luisa Rosas-Hernández is a writer for the Gringo Gazette North, where she covers Baja’s wine scene, good eats, and public safety—with a healthy dose of wit and no bad news allowed. By day, she’s a health researcher recognized by Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI), and by night, she handles the Gazette’s finances and dabbles in social media—making sure the numbers add up and the posts pop. When she’s not chasing stories or crunching data, you’ll likely find her in the Valle enjoying a glass of red (or a crisp white with oysters)… for research purposes, of course.

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