Today, we started off bright and early with a trip to the city center, where we visited the Buenos Aires’ government, specifically the healthcare sector. We talked to Dr. Daniel Ferrante, who is the current Deputy Minister of Health for the city. He further explained to us the intricacies of the Ministry of Health, and started to explore the importance of unions and how they affect the Ministry directly. Because certain unions hold so much power, they actually can make it impossible for the government to fire its physicians! While this is only a few unions within Argentina that hold this much power, the immeasurable nature of it makes it almost impossible for the government to not comply to its demands.
Our first lecture almost acted like a segue into our second, in which we went back to Astral and listened to Dr. Gabriel Leverstien, the current director of the Obra Social de Comercio (or the Commerce Union), which is also the largest union in all of Argentina. He began to explain that of all the health coverage provided to the people of Argentina, union coverage is the riskiest because of the imminent danger of bankruptcy. He also dove into the topic of inflation, which has been very apperent on our trip, as a water bottle can cost you 1,000 pesos! He explained that because the peso is losing so much of its purchasing power, the three-round run of inflation has caused the budget to be entirely used for imported supplies vs. a year ago where it would only be 1/3. While unions are facing many issues, they also provide a massive social safety net to those in them (which is every employed person in Argentina!) Full coverage can be provided to an individual for less that $200 USD a year, which includes everything from hospital stays to basic check-ups. This acts as a huge safety net for the Argentinian people, as the cost of this would typically run around $10,000 USD, but the average monthly salary in Argentina is $600. I found this very interesting and a complete contrast to the United States’ system where you quite literally get what you pay for, so wealthy people are typically much better off in terms of quality of health, versus the care is universal for all in Argentina, thus presenting the core value of equity.
Following the lecture, we took a break for lunch where we could venture out on our own. I have unfortunately learned that Argentina is not the most vegetarian-friendly country, so I was ravenous at this point. I don’t know what came over me, but I decided to take a two-mile round trip to a Burger King of all places, and I am happy to say it was worth every step.
Following my walk, we went on a bus tour of the city! We visited the some government buildings, including the Pink Palace, which was absolutely breathtaking. Next, we visited the cathedral, where Pope Francis was actually the archbishop for. We got to witness the changing of the guards aswell, in which we followed them inside the cathedral and were absolutely blown away by the art and architecture inside. We then took some visits around more local neighborhoods, and walked through various markets (window shopping unfortunately). The streets were lined with architecture that honestly reminded me of France, and the most colorful of buildings. Luckily, when we stopped in Boca, we actually had some time to shop, so I purchased some of the best dulce de leche I have ever tasted, but I am highly doubtful the jar will actually make it home to the states. Finally, we went to the port, where we admired the bridges and even saw a casino on the water!
Overall today was both a day full of learning and one full of beautiful sights, and I cannot wait to see what happens tomorrow!
