Today was our eighth day in Argentina, and definitely one of my favorites so far! To start off the day, some of the group went back to La Boca to do some shopping. It was a super fun trip as it was very lively there today, and we all got to buy things for ourselves along with some gifts to bring home for others. The weather turned out to be really nice, which made the day even better. Next, we went on a walking tour to see some landmarks and historical sites, which were all very beautiful. One of my favorite parts was a street that our guide said is supposed to be the most European-looking area. Then, we walked through Recoleta cemetery, which was much more fascinating than I expected. This cemetery contains the graves of many significant people, including presidents, military commanders, and Eva Perón. Each mausoleum was very unique, and our guide told us some interesting stories to go along with a few, even one about a girl who was buried alive. The group stayed in Recoleta for the hours following the tour to explore an outdoor market, where many vendors were lined up to sell their goods. I was really happy we got to experience this, and was excited to resume more shopping for the day!

As we’ve been learning more about the history behind the healthcare system during our time here, it’s been interesting to understand how much of a significant role Juan Perón played in the development of Argentina’s healthcare system, and how his policies laid the foundation for what exists now. During his presidency, Perón made healthcare a core part of his social justice platform, greatly expanding public access to medical services, especially for the working class. His administration built hospitals, improved infrastructure, and implemented a system of free healthcare in Argentina. This pushed the idea that healthcare should be a universal right rather than a privilege for the wealthy. His system gave lots of power to the unions, which not only served to protect workers’ rights, but also in managing and delivering healthcare services to their members. Eva Perón, his wife, also played a major role in expanding health and social services. She helped fund hospitals, nursing schools, and children’s clinics, especially in underserved communities. Between the two of them, they greatly transformed the healthcare system to help the people of Argentina in ways that are still lasting today.