There are two types of health services available in Buenos Aires. Each type provides a specific level of service to the populations’ different levels of need. The first is a public health care system that is supported financially by the government. This system is used by everyone, regardless of income. The second is a private health care system which is supported by either an insurance plan called prepaga, or money directly paid to the medical provider. Public hospitals prioritize providing immediate emergency care and provide universal access to care. In addition to being able to receive care at any time, this also allows those who do not have the finances to purchase insurance or pay privately to obtain medical attention. On the other hand, the public hospital system deals with many of the same problems found throughout most cities, such as overcrowding, lack of funding, etc, resulting in long wait times and inadequate maintenance and outdated equipment. The effects of these conditions are felt particularly in poor municipalities around the city.
The private hospital and clinic systems offer faster service, better technology and more pleasant environments than their public counterparts. Because of this, middle and upper income individuals choose to utilize the private healthcare systems due to the fact that they find it easier to make appointments and visit specialists. Unfortunately, one major drawback associated with using private healthcare systems is the cost. Due to its high price tag, low-income families find it difficult to afford. However, there are many connections made between the two systems. First, there are physicians working in both public and private hospitals, second, there are patients that will utilize both systems depending upon the situation. Therefore, in general terms, public healthcare focuses on providing equal access to care for all citizens, whereas private healthcare focuses on providing efficient and effective care.
Examples that we got to see while studying abroad are comparing the Paroissien Hospital and the Clinica Bazterrica. In Paroissien Hospital, it appeared unsanitary, with multiple patients being treated in the same room, a possible presence of C. diff, and the lack of newer medical equipment. However, today in Clinica Bazterrica, patients had their own, large sized rooms, there was much new medical equipment, and they were less crowded. You can see the differences in how the hospitals are organized due to the funding, as the public hospital, Paroissien only gets money from the municipality, and Clinica Bazterrica gets their funding from people with private insurance, so the hospitals are able to afford vastly different things.
