# Healthcare labor disputes in Spain and Mexico > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/healthcare-labor-disputes-in-spain-and-mexico > Updated: 2026-09-12T19:10:40.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2. Medical professionals in Spain and Mexico are protesting labor conditions and resource shortages. In Spain, doctors at the Álvaro Cunqueiro Hospital in Vigo are demanding a specific statute for physicians, the creation of a new ‘A1 Plus’ professional category to recognize their training, and solutions for excessive working hours. They are also seeking better compensation for supplementary hours and more flexible retirement systems. In Mexico, the crisis in Veracruz has escalated into active protests in Xalapa. Healthcare workers, residents, and families from the Centro de Alta Especialidad (CAE) have denounced a critical shortage of antibiotics, syringes, gloves, and surgical materials, reporting that approximately one thousand surgeries have been suspended since November 2025. Staff members have reported being frequently forced to use personal funds to purchase basic supplies to ensure patient care. The unrest intensified following controversial remarks by Roberto Ramos Alor, the state coordinator of IMSS-Bienestar, who reportedly told protesting residents, ‘If you don't want to operate, don't operate.’ Although Ramos Alor later issued an apology, various groups—including the Colegio de Médicos del Estado de Veracruz, political leaders, and families of children with cancer—have demanded his resignation, labeling his attitude ‘unethical and inhumane.’ Demonstrators have marched toward the Government Palace to request intervention from Governor Rocío Nahle García and federal authorities. They are demanding an immediate, verifiable supply of medical goods and guarantees that medical residents will not face academic or administrative retaliation for reporting hospital deficiencies. ## Claims - Hospitals are facing a critical shortage of medications, syringes, gloves, gowns, and surgical materials. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The shortage of supplies has led to the suspension of surgeries. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Healthcare workers and families are demanding the resignation of Roberto Ramos Alor, the IMSS-Bienestar state coordinator in Veracruz. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Hospital staff have had to use their own money to purchase basic medical supplies. (corroborated by 5 sources) - IMSS-Bienestar delegate Roberto Ramos Alor told protesting residents that if they did not want to operate, they should not do so. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The College of Physicians of Veracruz rejected that the residents' complaints be viewed as a lack of professional commitment. (single source) - The College of Internal Medicine of Veracruz demanded that IMSS-Bienestar and health authorities resolve the shortages immediately. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-12: Veracruz healthcare workers protest medical supply shortages Healthcare workers and families in Veracruz, Mexico, are protesting critical shortages of medical supplies and medications in IMSS-Bienestar hospitals, demanding the resignation of coordinator Roberto Ramos Al. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/medical-professionals-protest-labor-conditions-and-resource-shortages ### 2026-09-02: Protests erupt over pension rights in Spain and healthcare crises in Paraguay Pensioners in Spain and medical professionals in Paraguay are launching protests to demand better wages, improved public healthcare services, and more effective government responses to economic and sanitary Crì 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/protests-erupt-over-pension-rights-in-spain-and-healthcare-crises-in-paraguay --- Cite as: Healthcare labor disputes in Spain and Mexico. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/healthcare-labor-disputes-in-spain-and-mexico