Playa del Carmen Lays Off Nearly 100 Health Workers in Municipal Restructuring

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The Playa del Carmen municipality has laid off nearly 100 health workers, including doctors, nurses, and psychologists from its Primary Health Care Centers (CAPS), citing internal restructuring.

Employees were summoned to the former Municipal Palace to receive their severance packages, but many refused to sign, claiming the amounts offered were insufficient.

Several cases highlight the discontent. A nurse with 17 years of service was offered just 3,700 pesos (approximately $185), while another worker with 15 years of tenure said she was offered 4,300 pesos (approximately $215).

The affected workers stated they will pursue legal action through conciliation and arbitration bodies, arguing their labor rights are not being respected.

According to testimonies, the layoff notices came suddenly, even while some staff were attending to patients, leaving health centers operating with minimal personnel.

Currently, only three of the five CAPS remain operational — Villas del Sol, 28 de Julio, and Puerto Aventuras — while two others are undergoing rehabilitation.

This workforce reduction follows recent layoffs of municipal Vector Control Department workers, who after being dismissed requested to be incorporated into the state Health Department.