Zumpango, State of Mexico, February 18, 2025. In an unprecedented day of protests, health sector workers in the State of Mexico blocked various strategic roads this Sunday to demand the removal of the Secretary of Health, Macarena Montoya Olvera.
The protesters denounced a lack of medical supplies, non-compliance with labor benefits, and inhumane working conditions. The crisis in the health sector has reached a critical point.
Lack of supplies and labor precariousness
From early morning, doctors, nurses, and administrative staff blocked the Mexico-Pachuca highway, the Mexico-Cuautla highway, and Central Avenue in Ecatepec, causing a traffic collapse.
With banners and slogans, the discontented blamed Montoya Olvera for the deterioration of the state health system.
"They ask us to save lives, but they leave us without tools. There are no essential medicines or syringes, we have to improvise with the little we have," denounced a nurse from the Zumpango High Specialty Hospital.
The workers also accused the state administration of failing to pay bonuses, compensations, and basic benefits. Additionally, they denounced the lack of uniforms and protective gear for the staff.
"For months we have been demanding decent working conditions, but they ignore us. Today we decided enough is enough," stated a worker from the Ecatepec General Hospital.
Traffic chaos and government response
The protests caused long lines of cars and the suspension of the Mexibús at several stations.
On the Mexico-Pachuca highway, transporters and users were stranded for hours. The state government asked the protesters to clear the roads and offered a dialogue table, but the proposal was rejected.
"They have promised us working tables before and they never fulfill them. We want solutions, not speeches," declared a doctor from the Toluca General Hospital.
Collapsed hospitals and health crisis
For months, hospitals in the State of Mexico have reported a shortage of medicines and medical supplies. At the Naucalpan General Hospital, patients have reported that they must buy their own medicines and healing materials.
"They ask us to bring everything from gauze to IV fluids. Why do we pay taxes if public health doesn't have the basics?" questioned a user on social media.
Additionally, the lack of staff has forced doctors and nurses to cover double and triple shifts, affecting the quality of service.
"We are not only fighting for our rights, but for the health of the population," emphasized a doctor from the Toluca General Hospital.
Workers' demands and warnings
The workers warned that if there is no immediate response, they will radicalize the protests in the coming days.
Their main demands include:
- Immediate removal of the Secretary of Health, Macarena Montoya Olvera.
- Urgent supply of medicines and healing materials in hospitals and clinics.
- Immediate payment of overdue bonuses and labor benefits.
- Dignified working conditions and job security guarantees.
Despite the mobilizations, the State of Mexico Health Secretariat has not yet issued an official statement on Montoya Olvera's continuation in office.
Meanwhile, uncertainty in the health sector persists and the conflict seems far from being solved. The workers have made it clear that they will not back down until their demands are met.
