Healthcare supply and HIV care crisis in Veracruz

Health activists in Veracruz have raised alarms regarding a deteriorating healthcare situation, specifically highlighting a crisis in HIV/AIDS care. The Grupo Multisectorial en VIH/SIDA reported significant shortages of specialized medications, doctors, and milk substitutes at Ambulatory Centers for the Prevention and Care of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (Capasits). The group noted that Veracruz has high rates of new HIV diagnoses and maternal-to-child transmission.

Following these concerns, medical staff and residents at the Hospital de Alta Especialidad de Veracruz (HAEV) staged protests to denounce broader shortages of essential supplies, such as gauze, gloves, and sterile gowns. These shortages led to the suspension of various surgical procedures and forced some staff to purchase supplies personally.

During recent unrest at HAEV, tensions escalated between staff and authorities. Roberto Ramos Alor, the state coordinator for IMSS-Bienestar, reportedly told protesting residents, “if you don’t want to operate, then don’t operate,” while suggesting their academic evaluations could be impacted. Medical staff responded by requesting official communications to inform patients of delays, rather than leaving the burden of explanation to on-duty teams.

In response to the escalating shortages and demonstrations, IMSS Bienestar announced an extraordinary delivery of over 4 million pieces of medicine and supplies across 678 categories to the state, distributed through the ‘Rutas de la Salud’ program. The institution stated these supplies are being distributed to medical units and pledged to hold working meetings with personnel to address their concerns.