We have conducted many site visits to both public and private hospitals alike. From a provincial hospital in a rough area to a private cardiac hospital owned by one of the most luxurious hospital brands, it is evident that there is a resource disparity between each sector.
When we visited the hospital in La Matanza, the facility looked aged and worn. Appearing dirty with hallways as waiting rooms, contrasting starkly with ICBA, the Cardiology Institute of Buenos Aires under Swiss Medical. There, the whole facility was very modern and clean, with waiting rooms containing a minibar and leather chairs where IV fluids could be administered to patients quickly if needed. They offer a very personal doctor and nurse service with one of each in a wing of seven patients to create a more comfortable experience. Swiss Medical, as a brand, prides itself on its comfort and quality, and this facility was no exception.
However, at La Matanza, they are still trying to focus on providing care to as many people as possible and improving patient safety. Unfortunately, they do not have the resources to provide quality care to all, much less prioritize comfort and niceties.
This made me feel sad for those who only have the option of receiving care at the public facilities, run down as they are. While I understand that people pay a lot of money to be able to go to these high-class private hospitals, I believe that more money should be allotted to healthcare so the facilities can improve and so that more staff can be paid a living wage. There is no doubt that there is a large resource difference between the private and public sectors.