Nursing and social work staff in the state of Zacatecas paralyzed administrative and non-urgent activities this Friday, January 30, at at least 12 hospitals and health centers through a work stoppage, explained Salatiel Trejo, Union Delegate of the Zacatecas General Hospital.
“And right now, today there are 12 community hospitals on work stoppage… a work stoppage means that instead of being inside the hospital, we are outside demonstrating our legitimate demands.”
They made this decision because they believe the state government has not fulfilled its payment commitments for the nursing and social work professionalization program, in addition to other demands related to hospital operations.
“This isn’t a bonus; it’s recognition of our studies. Most of us have a specialization in something, and we are paid as assistants,” explained Alejandra Torres, a specialized nurse. The lack of service is affecting citizens who were unaware of the protest and will have to wait until the strike ends: “And they’re not there. If they’re protesting, they can’t be providing care. We need to be seen because we come from out of town,” said Ana Gabriela Olguin, a relative of a hospitalized patient.
Those affected emphasized the medication shortage that is impacting patients’ health.
“They gave me some pills, I don’t know the prescription, they crossed out three that weren’t available, and I can’t buy them because I don’t have the money, so they’ll just sit there, unused,” lamented Ernestina Castro, a patient at the Zacatecas General Hospital.
Health workers are also occupying tax collection buildings.
Source: milenio
