Background on Verona Hernández Valenzuela and Her Role
Verona Hernández Valenzuela, the spokesperson for Sinaloa’s Secretariat of Public Security, acknowledged the need to strengthen security measures in Culiacán hospitals following a series of armed attacks on August 29-30. These incidents resulted in at least four fatalities and numerous injuries.
Details of the Attacks and Initial Response
During a press conference led by Feliciano Castro Meléndrez, the secretary general of government, Hernández Valenzuela explained that there were security agents present at the Civil Hospital during the first attack, as patrols were conducted for preventive purposes.
“The presence of authorities in hospitals is constant. When there are injured individuals, police officers are requested by the investigating authority for custody. In this case, there was security; patrols are conducted around hospital premises, and security actions will be reinforced definitively,” she stated.
Cuitláhuac González, the Secretary of Health for Sinaloa, mentioned that continuous patrols will be maintained in both public and private healthcare facilities. However, he highlighted that the most significant adjustments will be implemented at hospital entrances: primary, lateral, and rear access points.
The Attacks
The first attack occurred on the evening of August 29, when armed men opened fire on the emergency area of Culiacán’s Civil Hospital. This resulted in the deaths of three individuals waiting for news about their relatives, along with three injuries, one of whom succumbed to their injuries on August 31, raising the death toll to four.
The IMSS-Bienestar reported that no medical, nursing, or administrative staff members were harmed during the incident.
The violence continued on August 30, with two additional attacks targeting hospitals: a private clinic in the Centro neighborhood saw an injured gunshot victim executed, and the General Hospital of Culiacán experienced an incident where assailants dressed as medical personnel murdered a 21-year-old patient.
Security Enhancements in Hospitals
In response to these disturbing events, Hernández Valenzuela and González emphasized the importance of reinforcing hospital security. Key measures include:
- Increased Presence of Security Personnel: More military or police officers will be stationed within high-risk hospitals, ensuring a stronger security presence.
- Improved Entry and Exit Filters: Collaboration between the health department and security institutions will focus on enhancing hospital entrance and exit control points to guarantee the safety of patients, visitors, and staff.
- Hospital Access Reinforcement: Primary, lateral, and rear hospital entrances will receive additional security measures to prevent further attacks.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Verona Hernández Valenzuela? She is the spokesperson for Sinaloa’s Secretariat of Public Security, responsible for communicating official statements regarding public safety matters.
- What prompted the need for enhanced hospital security? A series of armed attacks on hospitals in Culiacán, Sinaloa, resulted in fatalities and injuries, necessitating improved security measures.
- What specific actions are being taken to improve hospital security? Measures include increased security personnel presence, improved entry and exit filters, and reinforced hospital access points.
