**Tijuana Hospital Staff Working ‘Under Protest’ Due to Unpaid Wages**
Medical professionals at the Hospital General-IMSS Bienestar located in the Zona Este of Tijuana are continuing to work “under protest” as they demand overdue salaries. Despite opening for operations on November 6, 2024, staff members have not been paid, resulting in frustration and calls for action.
Argelia Cortés, a general physician at the hospital, reported that an internal memo warned staff their initial salaries might be delayed by up to three biweekly pay periods. Despite this, there remains an expectation for their payments to be regularized. “We’ve started working without the full team of specialists or sufficient materials. We were assured full payment by November 8, but that has yet to happen,” stated Cortés.
Carla Michelle, another affected general physician, echoed these concerns on social media. She highlighted the essential role of healthcare workers and demanded that authorities fulfill their obligations to ensure salaries are paid.
The newly inaugurated hospital boasts impressive facilities, including six operating rooms, seven consulting rooms, and 110 inpatient beds. However, it currently operates with just 21 staff members, far fewer than needed for the hospital to reach its full potential. Plans to recruit additional staff through the “Médicas y Médicos del Bienestar” initiative are in place, but payment issues could hinder this effort.
**Secondary Article: Workforce Challenges in Mexico’s Public Health Sector**
Across Mexico, healthcare workers are facing growing challenges due to delayed payments and insufficient resources. Similar issues have been reported in other newly opened facilities, reflecting a broader struggle within the public health sector.
In recent years, there has been an increase in reports of healthcare staff working without pay, leading to protests and strikes in some regions. For example, workers at several hospitals in the state of Veracruz protested due to months of unpaid wages earlier this year. These recurring episodes spotlight systemic issues related to funding and resource allocation in the health system.
Government officials have acknowledged these problems and pledged to improve the situation by streamlining processes and ensuring timely payments. However, many healthcare professionals argue that more substantial reforms are needed to address these persistent issues comprehensively.
Ensuring that healthcare workers receive adequate compensation is critical not only for the welfare of the staff but also for maintaining the quality of care provided to patients across the country.