Honduras healthcare crisis: Doctors issue ultimatum over unpaid wages

Honduras is facing a dual crisis in its public health system involving a significant surgical backlog and unpaid medical staff. The Colegio Médico de Honduras (CMH) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate disbursement of funds, the signing of pending contracts, and the resolution of labor agreements.

CMH president Samuel Santos reported that over 400 doctors are owed salaries, with some delays lasting up to eight months. The union is also demanding a new mandatory base salary, the reinstatement of dismissed professionals, and the payment of inflation adjustments.

President Nasry Asfura has acknowledged the severity of the surgical backlog, noting that out of 2,500 identified patients with long wait times, five have died and many others have been forced to sell assets to fund private procedures. Asfura urged medical professionals not to suspend patient care during the dispute, stating, “No le estamos negando el pago a nadie, no me le nieguen la salud a nadie.” The administration plans to prioritize 500 urgent cases for surgery across 16 national hospitals starting in the second half of September.