The Donald Trumps of this world might not be impressed but Zapopan’s Family Development Agency (DIF) has resolved to provide free medical and dental services to migrants at the Centro de Desarrollo Comunitario in Venta del Astillero on the western fringes of the Guadalajara metropolitan area.
Medical consultations will be available to all migrants, regardless of their nationality and immigration status.
A study undertaken by the Universidad de Guadalajara indicates that between 65 and 100 migrants pass through the municipality each month.
Most are citizens of Central American countries who follow the railway tracks north to the U.S. border.
Migrants with serious health issues will be referred to either the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara or Zapopan’s Hospitalito for further treatment.
The medical and dental consultations are scheduled between 9 and 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and will also be available to local residents for a fee of between eight and 50 pesos.
DIF Zapopan has also pledged its support for a shelter for migrants operated by Byzantine nuns in Venta del Astillero. Last week, the welfare services organization donated more than 500 kilos of food supplies that had originally come from a private company.