Medical professionals report resource shortages and labor issues in Mexico and El Salvador

Medical professionals in Mexico and El Salvador are reporting significant challenges regarding hospital resources and labor conditions. In Mexico, Helkyn Enríquez Báez, spokesperson for the Diocese of Orizaba, warned that a lack of equipment, supplies, and medication, combined with saturated consultation services, is causing specialists to leave public hospitals. This exodus exacerbates shortages for urgent and specialized cases, potentially impacting patient outcomes in critical situations.

In El Salvador, doctors working for Doctor. sv, represented by the ‘Dr. Salvador Allende’ Health Movement of ALAMES, have denounced poor working conditions. Reported issues include arbitrary schedule changes, lack of nighttime transportation for late shifts, and restrictive workplace policies. Workers noted that management has prohibited personal items like water bottles and sweaters to maintain an ‘aesthetic’ for investors, despite low temperatures caused by air conditioning that make performing duties difficult. ALAMES has requested a supervision by the Ministry of Labor to investigate these claims.