Medical tourism leaders in Tijuana launched the Baja California Health Tourism Coalition this week, calling on state and local authorities to strengthen security in the city’s medical corridor after a surgeon received death threats and other health professionals reported safety concerns.
The coalition is pushing for a formal working group with government officials to address what industry representatives describe as a growing pattern of insecurity threatening one of the region’s most important economic sectors. Tens of thousands of American and Canadian patients travel to Tijuana each year for surgeries, dental work, and cosmetic procedures at 40% to 70% less than U.S. prices.
Death Threats and Rising Concerns
The coalition’s formation was triggered by specific incidents, including death threats against a Tijuana surgeon. Other health sector workers also reported safety concerns, though details about the nature and timing of those threats remain limited.
The issue is not new. In February 2026, Tijuana’s Health Tourism Association separately asked the city to reinstate its bilingual tourism police unit. That unit, which was disbanded roughly seven years ago, once deployed officers who spoke English and other languages to patrol areas frequented by visitors. The association argued at the time that restoring the unit would improve the city’s image for international patients.
A Multi-Billion Dollar Industry at Stake
Tijuana accounts for an estimated 40% of all medical tourism to Mexico, according to industry figures. The city attracts over 2 million medical visitors annually, many crossing at San Ysidro, the world’s busiest land border crossing. Most medical tourism activity is concentrated in Zona Río, an upscale business district just minutes from the border.
The sector is a global leader in bariatric surgery, dental implants, and cosmetic procedures. Baja California’s Secretariat of Tourism has recognized the region as a top destination for these specialties. Patients typically save between 40% and 70% compared to equivalent procedures in the United States.
What the Coalition Wants
Coalition leaders are requesting a dedicated government working group focused on medical tourism security. They want coordinated responses between health sector representatives and law enforcement, along with improved signage and infrastructure in medical zones. The push builds on the earlier call for bilingual tourism police and adds institutional structure to the demands.
The medical zones around Zona Río, Playas de Tijuana, and the Hipódromo area remain among the safest parts of the city for visitors. Most clinics arrange private transportation and work within well-secured facilities. Still, the public escalation of these concerns marks a notable shift from an industry that typically downplays security issues to avoid deterring patients.
This story was first reported by Zeta Tijuana.