Mexico City Hospital Workers Stage Strike Amidst Heatwave and Budget Cuts

Mexico City's Hospital Infantil de México faces a critical crisis due to extreme heat and budget cuts. Medical staff are working in sweltering conditions, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in some areas. The hospital's air conditioning has been non-functional for months. "We are operating in inhumane conditions," stated an anonymous surgical nurse. The situation has been further aggravated by a 254 million peso budget cut this year. In response, the hospital's workers' union is calling for a strike on May 28th to demand action. The union secretary, Cuauhtémoc Ruiz, confirmed that repeated complaints to the hospital's administration have gone unanswered. The lack of air conditioning has resulted in cases of dehydration and even a medical worker fainting. The hospital is committed to emergency care but the strike will significantly impact non-emergency procedures. This situation underscores the broader challenges faced by Mexico's healthcare system.