Uruguay: Health sector employees to protest in Montevideo through August 16

Event

Representatives of the Federation of Public Health Officials staged protests on Thursday, August 13, in Montevideo over work grievances. Imagery on social media outlets showed hundreds of participants marching through the capital. The health workers are demanding salary increases, improved working conditions, and an increase to the health sector budget. According to media sources, the protests will continue for at least four days through to Sunday, August 16, with the objective that the government will attend to the workers' claims by the end of this time.

Further associated demonstrations should be expected in the capital and are also possible in other urban centers across the country. Localized travel disruption and a heightened security presence should also be anticipated in the vicinity of all protests. Clashes or skirmishes between security forces and demonstrators cannot be ruled out. Disruption to health services should also be anticipated in the near term.

Advice

Those in Montevideo and other urban centers in Uruguay are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate potential disruption to the provision of medical services, and confirm medical appointments.