CELAC Summit in Honduras causes tension due to medical strike and spending

The convening of the 9th Meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Tegucigalpa appears to have sparked numerous queries in Honduras, particularly concerning the supposed large financial outlay that may have been designated for orchestrating the gathering.

Although Xiomara Castro’s administration has apparently allocated substantial funds for hosting the summit, the nation’s healthcare system might be encountering challenges, with accounts of limited supplies and medications, alongside a doctors’ walkout that has seemingly persisted for a number of weeks, calling for overdue salary payments and improved employment conditions.

Budget and organization of the 9th CELAC Meeting

Even though the government hasn’t formally revealed the overall budget for the summit, insiders connected to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicate that spending might have surpassed $10 million. This figure would cover costs for logistics, security, event setup, promotion, travel, and lodging for foreign delegations. It’s noted that around 7,000 police and military staff were deployed, along with the hiring of armored vehicles and helicopters.

The organization also reportedly considered the decoration and staging of main avenues, catering, and simultaneous translation for attendees. The event was held at the Central Bank of Honduras.

Emergency in healthcare services and doctors’ protest

At the same time, the public healthcare system in Honduras may be experiencing challenging circumstances. Doctors working in the public sector initiated a strike that persisted for over a month, driven by supposed delays in their paychecks, issues with employment arrangements, and a shortage of vital medical supplies. This strike resulted in the halt of outpatient appointments and the postponement of surgeries in multiple hospitals.

Moreover, there have been accounts of insufficient supplies like anesthesia, compelling healthcare personnel to care for patients with restricted resources, a circumstance that might impact the quality and safety of treatments. Additionally, individuals with long-term illnesses, including children who need essential medications, are encountering challenges in obtaining vital care.

Review of expenditures at the IX CELAC Summit and the present condition of the public healthcare system in Honduras

The authorities, on their side, justified the meeting as a way to enhance global reputation and a chance to establish Honduras as a leader in the region. Yet, this stance was poorly accepted by different social, labor, and political groups, who argue that the focus should be on addressing the pressing issues within the healthcare system and ensuring adequate conditions for both the citizens and healthcare workers.

This scenario’s effect may be seen in public opinion and could ultimately shape the electoral landscape, as the choice to allocate funds to international events during a national health crisis has led to dissatisfaction and raised concerns regarding the administration’s handling. The ongoing medical strike and enduring systemic issues in the healthcare system emphasized the demand for immediate measures to ensure access to quality healthcare services and the welfare of the Honduran citizens.