Mexican authorities say they have transferred jailed union boss Elba Esther Gordillo to another women's prison that has better medical facilities because she is suffering from chronic liver, kidney and hypertension problems.

The Mexico City prison system said in a statement Friday that Gordillo was transferred to the Tepepan prison on the city's south side because it "has better medical facilities to take care of her in case of an emergency."

The agency says Gordillo's personal physician had requested the transfer, and that it did not represent a privilege for her.

The 68-year-old Gordillo is charged with embezzling 2 billion pesos (about $160 million) from the union she has led for nearly a quarter century.

Prosecutors say she allegedly spent part of the money on plastic surgery.