Our day started on our way to Tigre where we got to explore the open waters of the Sarmiento River as we made our way to Rio Capitan. Looking outside the boat windows as we rode out to the public hospital I noticed many houses with boat decks along the islands. Rio Capitan’s center consisted of a very small staff who have actually been working there for years which shows the dedication to the work that they do since the pay isn’t all that well. It was quite a tight space with very few rooms that consisted of all types of care from dentistry to pediatrics. They additionally have mobile health centers that update patients and those in the surrounding areas about where their healthcare boats will be stationed from certain times. Sometimes people even have to go by foot to communicate and update people because there isn’t network service everywhere. Soon after for our lunch we went to the Vivanco restaurant where they served us a flavorful three course meal from arugula & cheese to a blueberry vanilla ice cream dessert. 

To end the day we headed over for our next visit to Hospital de San Isidro where we took a tour and learned that when it comes to public hospitals there can be difficulty managing and there can be accessibility issues. While the funding tends to come from the ministries they have begun to try to shift care from hospitals to primary care settings because it’s cheaper for the system and they can use the money on other things. Hospitals tend to be expensive to run and primary care can prove to be more efficient so they are pushing primary care for these reasons. Even though someone may prefer to go to a hospital they might find themselves in primary care not because they want to but because the system is designed to guide them there.

Fact of the day: Out there near the rivers make sure to bring your bug spray and repellent. I got at least three mosquito bites so just be aware if you know you tend to get mosquito bites.