title: Argentina. A country of contrast and paradox.
abstract: In Argentina, health is not considered a state policy, and it does not benefit from effective action in all areas of government. The budget is essentially used up by structural costs, and despite having made progress in some areas such as vaccinations, there is little impact on the community as a whole from the promotion of health and the prevention of prevalent chronic illnesses linked to metabolism and lifestyle. The biggest health expenditure is private, including so-called "out-of-pocked spending," which leads to inequality, with over 40% of the population without explicit health coverage. In the national systems, coverage is linked to formal employment and Obras Sociales and is essentially managed by trade unions. Social determinants therefore continue leading to illness, which the health system then attempts to cure at enormous human and financial cost. Recommendations of international bodies (PAHO, WHO, FLH, IHF) stress the importance of organizing state and private RISS, but very little has been done in this regard. Right to healthcare is already required, but it's a long way form being sufficient. The whole population needs to be provided explicit and effective universal health coverage, in order to ensure healthcare and equality, and organize healthcare networks which make awareness, promotion, prevention, and rehabilitation more effective for all, using existing, high-level structural and human resources.
authors.forename: Oscar A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Miguel
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tonelli
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cimino
mesh_terms: D001118:Argentina; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D057217:Economic Development; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D011050:Policy Making; D011057:Politics; D011639:Public Opinion