My experience today was very moving with every new place we explored. Throughout the day I continually witnessed the hospitality and family mentality of the Argentine people. After an overview lecture at Austral given by Dr. Rubinstein on the general health care system and how it’s problems arise from its decentralization and too much focus on cures rather than preventative care, we went out to local communities in the surrounding area of Pilar. The first community primary health center we visited, Posta Sanitaria, may have been small, but demonstrated the overwhelming impact an approachable center can be for those that find public and private hospitals inaccessible for numerous reasons, such as distance and costs. Their mentality surrounded the idea of family care instead of helping singular patients which illustrated how key this idea is to the country as a whole as well. They offer a variety of services such as nursing, psychology, pediatric care, family counseling, some pharmaceutical options, and are adding a nutritional component. They maintain strong relations with their patients and continually check in on them for support and preventative measures. Since this practice falls under public operations, despite being private businesses, they are able to provide free services and rely on donations and a unique clothing selling business.
Hogar Santa Marta was the next community health center we visited was on a beautiful campus that seemed very welcoming considering the conditions of the surrounding neighborhood. This is another free service that is run by nuns who were extremely sweet and caring, making this place very special for the community wellbeing. The strength of the Catholic religion is emulated greatly throughout the building with various religious symbols and images, such as many portraits of Pope Francis, surrounding the area. They offer several services, including nursing, dentistry, and vaccinations, while they host a morning program for young children to play, learn, and eat a meal together before going to school in the afternoon.
After an empanada lunch at Austral, we visited a local hospital care facility. Except this is not a facility. It is a home. A place where poor and sick people can be surrounded by their family in comfort during their final days through palliative care. It is called Good Samaritan, based on the story of the Bible as it is Catholic based. Listening to a presentation about their mission was very inspirational as they strive to create peace on Earth before they believe they will enter heaven. The program is not just about physical peace, but psychological and spiritual. Walking through the home, that hosts six rooms which are personalized for each resident, I felt very warm and welcomed. It is a calming and relaxed setting that is supported by volunteers who are motivated to be there by choice and create another family atmosphere. Dr. Nanjun shared us a story of a young man, Ezekiel, of only 24 who came from a very upsetting background that included addiction, cancer, and a family who disowned him. Yet, after 2 months in partially care, he was transformed from his pain in all ways before passing away earlier this year. This story resonated with me because it shows how this method of care can really make a difference in someone’s life and can even provide family care as well to cope with the eventual fate. When my grandmother was in a hospice situation in the United States, I feel like it looked very different and did not necessarily provide all the aspects of peace.
Today was a long day but offered a live demonstration of the true values of Argentina, which was beautiful to witness on such a local level. They are so proud of their family and the relationships they make with each other are so powerful. I hope to bring some of these mentalities back with me because I feel America could use some of this inspiration.
