Medical College of Honduras holds assembly amid ongoing healthcare strike

The conflict between the Honduran Ministry of Health (Sesal) and the Medical College of Honduras (CMH) has entered its third consecutive week, causing disruptions to public healthcare services. The CMH has called for a national extraordinary assembly to address a 16-point agenda of labor and salary demands.

Key demands from the medical union include the cessation of dismissals, the reinstatement of separated doctors, and the payment of salary adjustments linked to the Consumer Price Index (IPC). They are also seeking a 12% allocation of the General Budget of the Republic for the public health system, increased base salaries for residents, and the formalization of contracts.

In response, Sesal Vice Minister Eduardo Midence characterized the ongoing assemblies as a strike and a “seizure of health facilities,” arguing that the actions impede patient access to care. While the CMH demands the payment of overdue salaries and benefits, Midence stated that the ministry has processed payments for 1,139 officials and that remaining delays are due to administrative validation processes involving the Civil Service.