Today, we shifted our focus to explore the public sector of healthcare in Buenos Aires. We started with a boat ride through the Tigre Delta and visited a local clinic, where we met the captain of the ambulance boat system. In the delta, residents rely on water transportation for nearly everything, including medical emergencies. The captain shared some of the challenges they face, especially when it comes to accessibility. There’s only one health center serving 200 square kilometers, and environmental conditions like fog can delay response times. On top of that, poor phone service in the area makes it even harder for people to get help quickly. The clinic itself was small, with just four rooms and a small group of patients waiting outside.

After lunch, we toured the San Isidro public hospital in Buenos Aires and learned more about how the healthcare system is evolving. Buenos Aires is traditionally hospital-centered, with most care provided in either public or private hospitals. However, recent discussions have emphasized a push toward strengthening the connection between hospitals and primary care. This change aims to make care more accessible and affordable by addressing health issues early, before they become serious. It’s beneficial for both the system and the patients, ensuring that the most needy patients receive their needed care at the hospital. But there’s also some pushback, since redirecting funding away from hospitals can be politically sensitive. Even so, it’s clear that investing in primary care can help reduce strain on hospitals and improve outcomes across the public health system.