Retired oil workers protest shortages at Oaxaca's women's hospital

Retired oil workers in Juchitán have staged a protest outside the Oaxacan Women’s and Children’s Hospital. They highlighted severe shortages of medications, lab supplies, and specialist doctors. The demonstration also drew attention to delays in reimbursing travel costs for patients transferred to other facilities. The hospital was originally built to reduce maternal mortality rates in Oaxaca. It operates with a 120-bed capacity, including outpatient clinics and a triage unit. Despite its intended purpose, doctors now report a critical lack of specialists, forcing severely ill patients to be sent elsewhere for treatment.

The protestors, many of them former oil industry employees, demanded urgent action. They pointed to ongoing shortages of essential medicines and diagnostic materials. Additionally, patients and their families face financial strain due to unpaid travel reimbursements for transfers to distant hospitals. Medical staff have repeatedly warned that the gap in specialist care is worsening patient outcomes. Without enough trained doctors, the hospital struggles to provide adequate treatment for complex cases. This has led to growing frustration among both workers and the local community.

The protest underscores long-standing issues at the Oaxacan Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Shortages of staff, supplies, and financial support continue to disrupt patient care. Authorities have yet to announce any measures to address the situation.