Hi everyone! My peers and I spent the day in the suburbs outside of Buenos Aires. We started the day by touring Paroissien Hospital. This was a huge public hospital that offered all specialties of medicine excluding ophthalmology. An interesting and different aspect of Argentine public hospitals is anyone can go there and receive care for no cost. As we walked the halls of the hospital, we saw cats laying on the floor and on pipes on the ceilings. I was very surprised to learn these were patients’ pets. I noticed Paroissien Hospital also lacked the technology we see in our hospitals in the U.S. There were no computers on the nurses desk or any sign of electronics. For me personally, this was a completely new scene. All my life, I’ve went to doctor’s offices and always saw computers and monitors in each room.

After the hospital visit, we traveled to a local public university- Universidad de La Matanza. This university serves over 60,000 students, mostly coming from this suburban area. As we explored the school, it reminded me of my high school. It was a huge, very open building. Students were huddled together and walking in large groups, which is what my friends and me did in high school. A major difference La Matanza has from Pitt is there is no on-campus housing options. Almost all students live with their parents and attend this university to study a variety of subjects. This public university is also completely free to all attendees. Over 90% of students in attendance are first generation students, which I thought was an incredible achievement. Throughout the tour, we met many students, saw 3D printers in action making prosthetics, and ate lunch in the cafeteria. I ate a hamburger and fries (in my defense, they had all American options today!) The burger was okay, and the fries were pretty good.

Here’s a picture of the center of campus, an art piece in the main building, and prosthetics made by 3D printers.

After experiencing the different hospitals and education system in Argentina, I observed it promotes equity throughout the nation. Having a variety of options for free healthcare and education is completely different from the lives we live in the United States. Access to healthcare for all is a core value in Argentina, and they assure every one has access to it through a free public sector. Because Argentina has free healthcare, there’s no stigma or negative feelings towards visiting the doctors. Argentines go to the doctor any time they feel sick without having to worry about paying for the service. Unfortunately, not all Americans have access to this due to high prices to receive care. Providing free access to public education greatly promotes equity throughout the nation. This provides disadvantaged Argentines the opportunity to expand their education and pursue their dream careers.

Today was a long day filled with several activities. I’m definitely going to sleep good tonight. Tomorrow we’re taking a boat trip to Tigre to visit clinics in a different environment. Can’t wait to share what I learn tomorrow!