Health crisis in the country: unchanged budget in the face of rising diseases.

The recent report from the National Front for HIV, Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis has raised alarms about the serious public health situation in the country. Since 2023, the budget allocated for these services has remained unchanged, despite inflation reaching a staggering 211.4% that same year. This situation is further exacerbated by a projected inflation rate of 117.8% for 2024, raising serious doubts about the government's ability to ensure access to vital treatments for patients with HIV and hepatitis. The consequences of this lack of investment are palpable. The organization has noted an increase in diagnoses of diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and HIV-related mortality. This not only indicates a deterioration in public health but also a potential health crisis looming if immediate measures are not taken to address the situation. The lack of supplies and adequate treatments puts the lives of thousands of people who depend on the healthcare system for survival at risk. Health Minister Mario Lugones and Deputy Minister Alejandro Vilches have stated that the functions of the Tuberculosis and Hepatitis coordinations will remain within the Directorate of HIV, STIs, Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis. However, this statement has been met with skepticism, as official documentation has circulated revealing that the contracts of experienced and committed personnel in this area are set to expire on January 31, 2025. This raises serious doubts about the continuity of services and the care provided to patients. The National Front for HIV, Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis has expressed concern about the lack of progress in the purchase of medications and treatments since last year. Complaints have pointed to compulsive changes in HIV treatments, as well as delays in the acquisition of medications for tuberculosis and hepatitis, and in obtaining reagents for diagnostics. The organization warns that this situation is not only alarming but is also condemning many patients to uncertainty and suffering. Furthermore, the decision to maintain the same budget in 2025 as the one approved in 2023 is seen as dismantling public health. In a context where infectious diseases are on the rise, significant investment is required to address this reality. The lack of resources not only jeopardizes the health of citizens but could also lead to an even more severe public health crisis in the future. The data provided by the organization is concerning: the 20% increase in tuberculosis cases, the exponential growth of syphilis, and the rise in new HIV notifications are just some of the indicators revealing a critical situation. Viral hepatitis, which are among the most prevalent infections in the country, are also on an alarming trajectory. The National Front for HIV, Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis has denounced that the Ministry of Health is failing to comply with the Comprehensive Response Law 27.675, which establishes that the National State is responsible for providing a comprehensive response to these epidemics. The lack of a call for the National Commission on HIV, Hepatitis, STIs, and Tuberculosis is a clear example of how responsibility is being evaded, while pressure is shifted to the provinces, leaving many patients in uncertainty. This situation requires an immediate and coordinated response from the government. Authorities must take responsibility and ensure that the necessary purchases are made so that patients have access to the treatments they need. It is essential to restore trust in the healthcare system and prioritize care for diseases affecting the most vulnerable populations. The dismantling of public health is not just a matter of numbers and budgets; it is a matter of human lives. Civil society, non-governmental organizations, and the medical community must join forces to demand change and maintain pressure on the government. Health is a right and cannot be sacrificed on the altar of austerity or administrative inefficiency. In conclusion, the current situation demands a renewed commitment from both the government and society to ensure that all citizens have access to the medical care they deserve. Public health should not be dismantled; it should be strengthened. It is time to act and ensure a healthy future for all.