Hospitals in Oaxaca, Mexico and La Paz, Bolivia face critical supply shortages

Health workers at the Hospital General Dr. Aurelio Valdivieso in Oaxaca, Mexico, reported severe shortages of essential equipment, including the lack of autoclaves and a steam generator, hindering sterilisation, laundry, and kitchen operations. The staff said the deficits compromise surgeries, patient care and the hospital’s daily functioning, and they called for immediate government action to provide equipment, medicines and adequate staffing.

In La Paz, Bolivia, the Hospital del Niño said its stock of medical oxygen and drugs is gradually returning to normal after weeks of scarcity caused by blockades that isolated the department. Director Alfredo Mendoza noted that oxygen deliveries have reached about 40% of tank capacity and that neonatal intensive care remains fully occupied but unharmed. The hospital continues to secure contracts to replenish medicines and expects full normalisation by the end of the week.

Both facilities highlight ongoing challenges in supplying essential medical resources in parts of Latin America, affecting patient care and putting pressure on health workers to maintain services under strained conditions.