Workers operate Mexico's largest hospital laundry plant to prevent infections

350 workers at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) operate a large-scale hospital laundry plant in the northern region of Mexico City.

The facility processes, washes, and sterilizes 20 tons of hospital clothing every day to supply 110 medical units across three levels of care. These services reach hospitals in Mexico City, Toluca, and various municipalities in the eastern State of Mexico, as well as local daycare centers.

María de Lourdes Téllez Nava, the national head of hospital clothing for the IMSS, says the washing process prevents contamination and infections in hospital areas including operating rooms. The facility handles patient linens, bed covers, and surgical uniforms. Téllez Nava explains that the work ensures medical services do not stop and helps patients stay comfortable while preventing healthcare-associated infections. The laundry plant spans 23,000 square meters and uses high technology to recycle water and reduce electricity consumption.

According to Víctor Hugo Ibarra Díaz de la Vega, the deputy head of plant conservation, the facility uses six new washers, eight dryers, and two continuous washing tunnels capable of processing 400 kilos of laundry per hour. The site recently integrated Tolkar machines from Turkey, which use a jet-propulsion pumping system to increase efficiency and reduce water usage. These updates allow the plant to double its production capacity to meet the needs of the institution's members.