Health Workers Protest in Mexico Over Medical Supply Shortage

Health workers across the State of Mexico and Mexico City stage protests demanding immediate action in response to shortages of medical supplies and deteriorating labor conditions. 

“The shortage of supplies in hospitals has worsened since the transition to the IMSS-Bienestar model, leading to a crisis that disrupts medical operations,” explains Fabian Infante, spokesperson for the National Assembly of Health Workers, for Debate. “Many hospitals are not addressing cases because supplies are insufficient, and medications arrive in limited quantities and run out quickly,” added Infante. 

Complaints about medication shortages at ISSEMyM have been ongoing since January 2025, with beneficiaries expressing frustration over the lack of essential supplies. The government’s Administrative Office announced that the distribution of medications would begin on Feb. 16, focusing on high-demand units. The state government did not provide explanations or details regarding the distribution process. It mentioned that it is negotiating with the pharmaceutical industry to secure an immediate supply of medications through tenders.

The shortage persists in the country, assures Cero Desabasto Collective in its X account. Since 2019, Cero Desabasto has mapped and made the medication shortages in Mexico transparent. The initiative includes 134 organizations of patients, healthcare professionals, and public policy specialists.

According to The National Assembly of Health Workers, throughout 2024, the lack of medicines became critical, affecting the availability of essential antibiotics, pain relievers, and anesthetics. They reported a shortage of surgical materials, which led to the cancellation of surgeries due to the absence of sutures and equipment, such as syringes and paracetamol. Health workers have warned that the protests may escalate if authorities fail to provide clear responses.