Background on Martí Batres Guadarrama
Martí Batres Guadarrama serves as the General Director of the Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), a Mexican government agency responsible for providing social security benefits to federal public servants and their families. His leadership in the demolition of the old hospital signifies his commitment to improving healthcare services for ISSSTE beneficiaries.
Demolition Process and New Hospital Construction
On December 23, 2025, Martí Batres Guadarrama led the completion of demolition works for the former “Dr. Gonzalo Castañeda” hospital in Nonoalco Tlatelolco, Mexico City. The demolition was conducted progressively, carefully, and in an orderly manner to ensure structural stability and safety throughout each phase.
Careful Demolition
The demolition of the three-building complex (Cuerpo A, seven levels; Cuerpo B, five levels; and Cuerpo C, three levels) was executed meticulously to avoid any damage to the adjacent Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) hospital and other urban areas. More than 11,000 square meters of construction land and over 4,000 cubic meters of debris were generated during this process.
Impact on the Community
Batres highlighted that the demolition of the old hospital and upcoming construction of a new unit will significantly benefit the Tlatelolco community by eliminating an unsanitary and security risk area while strengthening public health services for residents.
New Hospital Unit Construction
Starting in early 2026, a new hospital unit will be built on the site. This modern facility will include geriatric specialties to cater to the needs of the area’s elderly population, which primarily uses ISSSTE services.
Support and Gratitude
Rosa María Zabal Cortés, Subdirector of Obras y Contratación de la Dirección de Administración y Finanzas del ISSSTE, expressed gratitude to the team responsible for completing the demolition within a tight deadline. Ramón Abud Ramírez, Director Responsable de la Obra, explained the safe demolition strategy, which involved progressive, controlled, and orderly removal of the buildings from the periphery towards the center.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who led the demolition of the old hospital? Martí Batres Guadarrama, General Director of ISSSTE.
- When will construction of the new hospital unit begin? Early 2026.
- What specialties will the new hospital unit include? Geriatric specialties to serve the elderly population.
- What was the demolition process like? Careful, progressive, and controlled to ensure safety and structural stability.
- What benefits will the new hospital unit bring to the Tlatelolco community? Improved public health services and elimination of an unsanitary risk area.
