After spending 2 weeks in Argentina, I have learned so many things I could have never learned sitting in a classroom in the United States. Whether we were touring hospitals, listening to lectures, or exploring areas in Buenos Aires, there was always a lesson to be learned. During our hospital tours, I learned a new…
Author: lmb315
The End is Near (Day 10)
Today was the last day we would spend learning in a classroom environment. We learned more about the public healthcare system in Argentina and how it is organized. Argentina’s public health care system has been impacted by its federal political structure. As a result of sharing powers at the national level, provinces, municipalities, the public…
Obras Sociale vs. Prepaid Insurance (Day 9)
Both prepaid insurance companies and obras sociales serve an important role in Argentina’s healthcare delivery, however, each serves different portions of the population in distinct manners. One commonality between the two is providing access to medical treatment through a network of hospitals, clinics, and physicians. Both types of systems also help consumers by reducing the…
From Pitt to Uruguay (Day 8)
Today, we took an hour long boat ride to Uruguay. Uruguay is a beautiful country, and it reminded me a lot of Europe. The buildings were very beautiful and colorful, and much like argentina, there were many stray dogs. While on the walking tour, the tour guide pointed out a tree, which is where the…
What is Peronism? (Day 7)
Juan Perón played an important role in developing Argentina’s healthcare system, especially through unions and public healthcare programs. During his presidency, Perón helped the working class and expanded social welfare. He believed healthcare should be available to everyone, not just the wealthy. One of his biggest contributions was strengthening labor unions. Under Perón, unions gained…
The Differences of Private and Public Healthcare in Buenos Aires (Day 6)
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…
Inside Argentina’s Public Healthcare Divide (Day 5)
The visits to Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos Paroissien and Universidad Nacional de La Matanza allowed me to see the social and economic inequality among municipalities in Buenos Aires and those in its rural surroundings. Paroissien is a provincial hospital serving almost 3 million people. However, Paroissien gets much less money from the government than…
The Cost of Care in Argentina (Day 4)
Health departments must constantly balance funding between hospitals and primary or preventive care. Hospitals are essential because they provide emergency treatment, surgeries, and specialized care for serious illnesses or injuries. Without enough hospital funding, patients may face overcrowding, long wait times, and reduced quality of care. During crises such as pandemics or natural disasters, hospitals…
Two Hospitals, One Healthcare System (Day 2)
Income inequality strongly affects how healthcare is distributed in Argentina. The country has a mixed healthcare system that includes public sectors, unions, private sectors, and private payers. While public healthcare is free, the quality of care often depends on a person’s income and location. Higher-income individuals usually have private insurance, allowing them to access faster…
First Steps through Buenos Aires! (Day 1)
After a long 10-hour plane ride, I was more than ready to finally arrive in Buenos Aires. As soon as we got off the plane, we were welcomed by the Argentina IES team and introduced to my very first Argentinian dessert, an alfajor. It felt like the perfect way to begin the trip. On the…
See you later, Pittsburgh!
Hi, I am Lauren Bakosh and I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, before eventually moving to Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 5 years ago. I am a nursing major, and attend the Greensburg campus of University of Pittsburgh. During the school year, I enjoy participating in many clubs, such as Habitat for Humanity, environmental club, and the student…