The New York Conflict as a Reflection of a Global Problem

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The Nursing Crisis: The New York Conflict as a Reflection of a Global Problem

Journalist:
Nearly 16,000 nurses from five hospitals in New York City may go on strike. How do you interpret this conflict from an international perspective?

Sandro Ortega:
What is happening in New York is not an isolated case. It is a clear expression of a global crisis in nursing labor, one that also affects Latin America, Europe, and many other regions. Demands for transparent contracts, access to healthcare, and protection against workplace violence are common across health systems worldwide.

Journalist:
Is this situation also present in Latin America?

Sandro Ortega:
Absolutely, and often more severely. In Latin America, nurses face job insecurity, low wages, excessive workloads, and the need to hold multiple jobs to survive. Added to this are limited participation in decision-making and widespread workplace violence, which is frequently normalized.

Journalist:
What are the consequences of this constant overexertion?

Sandro Ortega:
The consequences are evident: physical and emotional burnout, professionals leaving the profession, forced migration, and declining quality of care. Nurses are expected to sustain fragile health systems without dignified working conditions. This model is not sustainable.

Journalist:
What actions are urgently needed to address this situation?

Sandro Ortega:
It is essential to establish social dialogue tables involving governments, unions, healthcare institutions, and professional organizations. We need sustainable public employment policies, healthy working conditions, and strategic planning for the health workforce.

Journalist:
What role does society play in this discussion?

Sandro Ortega:
A fundamental one. I always ask the same question:
What kind of healthcare system does society want for itself and for its families?
The quality of care is directly linked to the working conditions of those who provide it.

Journalist:
Finally, what message would you give to policymakers?

Sandro Ortega:
Investing in nursing is investing in health. Human talent is not an expense; it is the foundation of every healthcare system.
As I often say: tell me how your health workers work, and I will tell you what kind of healthcare system your country has.