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.