Cancun, Quintana Roo — The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) issued a statement Thursday explaining why an opossum was photographed inside the Hospital General Regional No. 17 in Cancun, after images sparked concern on social media.
The institute said the hospital is located next to several green areas and a large plot of land with native vegetation and wildlife, making it common to see animals near the facility.
IMSS clarified that the opossum shown in the images was not in the cafeteria area, as some social media users suggested. The animal was removed from the hospital interior and placed in a safe location, with no injuries or risks reported to patients or staff.
As a preventive measure, the institute said it has stepped up supervision to prevent similar incidents in the future.
IMSS also reiterated its commitment to patient and worker safety, as well as animal protection.
The images, which circulated widely on social media Wednesday, prompted criticism about hygiene at the hospital and calls for greater oversight at the facility, one of the busiest in the city.
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