IMSS Night Medical Services Extend Hours in Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The pilot program for night medical services at the Family Medicine Units (UMF) in Playa del Carmen and Cancún has become a direct response to the Caribbean lifestyle, where thousands of tourism sector workers have schedules that prevent them from attending consultations during the day.

After six months of operation in Playa del Carmen and four in Cancún, the scheme not only continues but has extended its hours until 4:00 AM, following the detection of a constant flow of patients beyond 2:00 AM. The extension has been operating for two weeks without setbacks.

6,000 Consultations in Four UMFs in Cancún and One in Playa del Carmen

The UMFs 16, 13, 14, and 19 in Cancún, along with the unit in Playa del Carmen, have accumulated nearly 6,000 night consultations, reflecting a change in demand patterns: beneficiaries seek quick and resolutive care after finishing their shifts, mostly at night.

One of the most valued aspects by patients is resolution in a single visit, as in addition to receiving diagnosis and prescriptions, the pharmacies remain open during the early morning hours.

IMSS Evaluates Converting It into a National Model

The pilot has already triggered an internal rethinking at IMSS. Initially, staff covered these hours through overtime; now they operate with temporary positions valid until December 31.

The delegate indicated that if the model is consolidated, between 15 and 20 permanent positions will be required, numbers that could increase if demand continues to grow.

For now, the program is concentrated in the northern zone, where the largest number of beneficiaries in Quintana Roo live. However, IMSS is analyzing extending it to Othón P. Blanco and, eventually, replicating it nationally, especially in regions with atypical work schedules.