Today we took a deep dive into Argentinian history, more specifically focusing on Peronism. This provided a very important insight into the development of Argentina’s healthcare system and the political influences behind it. We started with a walking tour around Buenos Aires, and learned about the city’s political history, influences by the aristocratical families, and how Argentina developed its own culture over time. The tour finished off with a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, which is where many major historical figures and wealthy families are buried like Eva Peron. We were able to see Eva Peron’s tomb and briefly learned about her life and how connected she is to Argentinian politics. Throughout the tour we were able to see influences from many of the architectural styles of different countries and how Argentina made them there own. We also briefly learned about there early and continued relationships with other countries like the British and how they helped build many of the buildings in Argentina. We also touched on a war fought with Paraguay. It was clear that Juan and Eva Peron had a lot of influence beyond politics and continues to impact the social climate of Argentina.

After the walking tour, we had lunch at the Evita Museum and the toured the Museum itself. The museum highlighted Eva Peron’s work and political history moving up from an actress to a politician. She had a lot of work in advocating for the rights of women, children, workers, and the working and lower class. Many of the exhibits focused on the social programs and charity that she helped work on through the Eva Peon Foundation. While we learned about her life we also discussed how her husband, Juan Peron, cemented his legacy and how his presidency influenced Argentina’s healthcare system. Before he came to power, healthcare access was very unequal. Wealthier individuals and much better access to quality healthcare compared to the working class. Peron’s administration sought mainly to reduce these inequalities by expanding on the governments overall involvement in healthcare and by strengthening labor unions (Obras Sociales) which would provide healthcare benefits to workers.

This system was funded by worker and employer contribution and were managed by labor unions to provide healthcare cover for the workers and their families. As the unions expanded under Peron, healthcare access expanded for many Argentinians. Ultimately, Peron create a much better healthcare system build around public hospitals, healthcare organizations, and private providers. This system greatly expanded healthcare access and continues to shape the healthcare system today.