Cofepris regulates medical fentanyl; there are alternatives for pain

Secretary of Health clarifies that not all anesthetics can be banned; There are alternatives for pain.

Fentanyl regulation: medical use vs. abuse

David Kershenobich, head of the Ministry of Health (Ssa), reported that the Federal Commission for the Protection against Health Risks (Cofepris) maintains a registry of anesthetic substances, including fentanyl for medical use. The objective is to regulate the conditions of its use.

“It is very relevant to be able to separate the medical use from the abuse in the consumption of these types of substances. Not all of them can be prohibited because it is required in anesthesia situations to use some of these types of medications,” he explained.

RelatedChina imposes restrictions on export of fentanyl precursors

The official highlighted the importance of having alternatives for pain management, such as pregabalin, which are effective.

Strict regulatory framework in Mexico

During the morning conference last Tuesday, Kershenobich pointed out that certain anesthetics are essential for surgeries, so they cannot be eliminated.

Alejandro Svarch Pérez, general director of IMSS Bienestar, stressed that Mexico has the most rigorous regulatory framework in North America regarding chemical precursors for medical grade fentanyl. There are also other non-medical fentanyls, synthetic drugs produced under design.

Svarch explained that fentanyl is used in surgical procedures and for chronic diseases such as cancer. Mexican regulation contemplates a strict methodology to control the precursors used in its production.

National Guard: 125 thousand elements and decrease in homicides

Sheinbaum led the National Guard's seventh anniversary with deployment numbers and results.

In Huehuetoca, State of Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum led the ceremony for the seventh anniversary of the National Guard, created in 2019.

Sheinbaum reported that the corporation has 125 thousand elements deployed in 53 coordinations and 590 barracks built by the Army. He highlighted that intentional homicide decreased 46% since October 2024, as part of the National Security Strategy.

Operating figures

Commander Guillermo Briseño Lobera explained that in the current six-year term, 45 thousand people have been arrested for crimes, 23 thousand firearms have been seized, more than 213 tons of drugs have been seized and two thousand clandestine laboratories have been dismantled.

He announced that Sedena is promoting a plan to reach 170,000 troops and 886 facilities by the end of the six-year term.

The president presented decorations to the personnel outstanding in security, training and confiscations, with special recognition to the elements of the Teotihuacan archaeological zone for their performance last April.

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Mother of ABC Daycare victim demands justice from FGR

Victim's mother denies that the case is closed and demands that FGR resume investigations.

Juanita Luna, mother of one of the victims of the ABC Daycare, responded to the statements of President Claudia Sheinbaum. He clarified that the judicial file has never been closed and demanded that the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) continue the investigations.

The recent resolution of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) did not order reopening the case, Luna said. What it ruled is that crimes committed against minors are imprescriptible. Therefore, those responsible for manslaughter still need to be prosecuted.

Gabriel Alvarado Serrano, legal representative of the Manos Unidas por Nuestros Niño collective, explained that this judicial criterion strengthens the demand for justice. It marks a historical precedent for Mexican children, he noted.

Now it is up to the FGR to accelerate the current investigation files, the lawyer warned. If new evidence emerges, other public servants who were not originally included may be called to account regardless of the time that has passed.

During her morning conference, President Sheinbaum stated that the Prosecutor’s Office must reach the ultimate consequences in this case. He promised to deliver all the information required by the IMSS.

Sheinbaum also pointed out that the surrogate daycare model implemented during Felipe Calderón’s six-year term was marked by corruption, nepotism and serious security deficiencies. These failures led to the tragedy that claimed the lives of 49 minors in 2009.

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They seek to hire substitute teachers during strikes in Oaxaca

Morena's initiative seeks to guarantee educational continuity during teacher strikes in Oaxaca.

Morenoist proposal in response to teacher strikes

The local representative of Morena, María Eulalia Velasco Ramírez, presented an initiative to reform the Oaxaca Education Law. Their objective: to force the state government to hire substitute teachers during teacher strikes.

The legislator seeks to provide continuity to the educational service. To this end, it proposes immediate response mechanisms in the event of any suspension of teaching activities. The proposal now remains in the hands of the local Congress.

The reality of the protests in the state

Every year, Section 22 of the SNTE carries out staggered strikes as part of its union pressure strategy. In 2024, the protests lasted a month and mainly affected basic education schools. It is not the only union: there are also recurring strikes at the “Benito Juárez” Autonomous University of Oaxaca (UABJO) and other high school campuses.

Velasco Ramírez —mother of the Secretary of Tourism, Saymi Pineda— maintains that her initiative protects the right to education under the principle of the best interests of children. According to the representative, the most vulnerable students are the ones who suffer the most from suspensions.

Measures that the IEEPO would authorize

The reform empowers the State Institute of Public Education of Oaxaca (IEEPO) to take administrative, academic and extraordinary measures when the service is interrupted due to the unjustified absence of teaching staff. Among the permitted actions are: immediately designate substitute staff, enable alternative in-person care locations in nearby facilities, or implement academic strategies to avoid the loss of the school year.

The initiative emphasizes social justice for rural, indigenous communities or areas without internet access. In these cases, the educational authority must always prioritize the in-person modality to guarantee learning.

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