Crisis in public health: mass layoffs and shortage of vital treatments.

The public health landscape in the country is in a critical state following the recent intervention at the Bonaparte Hospital by the Ministry of Health, which has resulted in the dismissal of 1,400 workers from various hospitals and specialized institutes. This measure, which is part of a broader adjustment, has unleashed a series of devastating consequences that directly affect patients, who are already facing shortages of medications and vital treatments. According to organizations advocating for patients' rights, the situation has become unsustainable. One of the most emblematic cases is that of María Teresa Troiano, who had been receiving treatment for skin cancer since 2016. Despite her immunotherapy treatment being guaranteed through the Directorate of Direct Assistance for Special Situations (Dadse), she found herself in a desperate situation. On December 10, 2023, her husband went to pick up her medication, only to be informed that the new suppliers would not deliver the treatment. "Marité was killed twice," lamented her husband, recalling the fruitless struggle to obtain the medication she needed. María Teresa's story is just one of many that illustrate how cuts in health services have negatively impacted the lives of citizens. Non-governmental organizations, such as the National Front for HIV, Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis, have reported that, in addition to the layoffs, specialized departments for the treatment and management of serious illnesses have been closed. Despite claims from Health Minister Mario Lugones about the continuity of services, those affected argue that the elimination of these work teams jeopardizes patient care. "The lack of coordination and the reduction of experienced staff can only lead to an increase in mortality from diseases that are already problematic," they warned. The situation is even more alarming when considering the statistics on diseases that are proliferating in the country. Tuberculosis cases have increased by nearly 20%, while infections of HIV and syphilis are also on the rise. These diseases, many of which are associated with unfavorable social conditions such as malnutrition and overcrowding, demonstrate that cuts in health services not only affect hospitals but also create a domino effect on overall public health. The impact of the intervention at the Bonaparte Hospital has resulted in a lack of care and the dismantling of crucial services, especially in mental health. Hospital workers have expressed concern that the reduction in staff prevents adequate care for patients, many of whom depend on continuous treatments for their conditions. "This intervention has only disarticulated the health system we had, leaving many without the support they need," they asserted. On the other hand, the Argentine Patients' Alliance (ALAPA) has published a document denouncing budget cuts in various health areas. According to their analysis, drastic adjustments have been detected in key programs, reinforcing the idea of a systematic dismantling of the public health system. "The lack of medications and the closure of care centers are just the tip of the iceberg of a broader crisis affecting everyone," the organization indicated. In this context, the community is questioning how the government justifies such cuts at a time when health needs are rising. The decision to maintain the 2023 budget for the following year, despite the increased demand for health services, seems an irresponsible and potentially lethal measure for many patients. The lack of investment in public health not only endangers individuals but also has implications for the health of the population as a whole. The recent suspension of cooperatives and mutuals providing health and social assistance services has also generated great uncertainty among patients and their families. With over 8,500 cooperatives affected, access to health services has become even more limited. This measure, presented as an action to correct irregularities, appears to be a frontal attack on the community health infrastructure that so many people rely on. Changes in policies regarding access to free medications, especially among vulnerable populations such as retirees, have also been drastic. The new restrictions have forced many patients, who are already facing economic difficulties, to forgo treatments that are vital for their health. Austerity measures, which have culminated in over 550 layoffs at PAMI, reveal a worrying trend toward reducing services in a sector that should be a priority. While the government justifies these actions as necessary for the restructuring and "normalization" of the health system, testimonies from patients and workers reveal a reality that is far from that narrative. Deregulation and adjustments in public health are not merely administrative decisions; they are decisions that impact lives, and in many cases, they have resulted in the irreparable loss of individuals who depended on the system to survive. In a context of health crisis, it becomes imperative to reconsider these measures and prioritize the well-being of the population.