Argentina running out of medical supplies

Issue 

A report in the January 26 British Medical Journal reveals that Argentina is running out of medical supplies and faces rising drug prices as the country sinks deeper into economic crisis.

The report quotes Juan Carr, who heads Red Solidaria (Solidarity Network): “We are facing true chaos. It is unprecedented. There is no medication or treatments”. Hospitals have been forced to turn patients away and Red Solidaria has called on the people to pool whatever drugs they have for patients who need them to stay alive.

The BMJ reports that Argentina's health services are struggling as the social security system for elderly people (PAMI) has “haemorrhaged cash through bad management and corruption”. PAMI has not paid many of its suppliers and the chain of payments from suppliers to chemists, hospitals and health workers is breaking down.

Meanwhile, 700,000 private sector health jobs are at risk and at least 30% of pharmacies in Buenos Aires province face collapse if the government cannot inject new funds immediately.

From Green Left Weekly, February 6, 2002.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page. 

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.