The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #52091

Celia Iriart, PhD, Division of Community Medicine, The University of New Mexico, School of Medicine, 2400 Tucker N.E, Albuquerque, NM 87131, 505-272-1317, iriart@unm.edu and Howard Waitzkin, MD, PhD, Masters in Public Health Program, University of New Mexico, 2400 Tucker N.E., School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131.

Argentina's governments have followed globalization policies imposed by the U.S. through the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in the economic, labor, and health care arenas, among others. As a result, the people of Argentina have recently experienced more than 25% unemployment, 65% annual inflation, and a 10-15% decrease in the GDP, leading to the collapse of the government early in 2002. More structural adjustment requirements will likely be imposed as a condition of authorizing new loans. Health and poverty indicators show that Argentina is a devastated country. Public hospitals and clinics do not have the most elementary medications and supplies to take care of patients. Patients die while on waiting lists for surgeries, diagnoses, or treatments. Preventative screenings are not available. The same developments have unfolded in other institutions following years of managed care administration. For example, the social security program for retired people (PAMI) does not have funds to pay for any health care services. Senior citizens are dying in their homes, waiting in emergency rooms, and at times in the streets. Popular mobilizations play an important role as patients and health workers (physicians and others) analyze the problems they are facing. through spontaneous meetings and self-called assemblies. They are organizing to control the management of public health and social security institutions, and developing organizations to produce generic drugs. The experience of Argentina suggests lessons for other countries on the results of compliance with the globalization process as constructed by the IMF and World Bank.

Learning Objectives:

Argentina's governments have followed globalization policies imposed by the U.S. through the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in the economic, labor, and health care arenas, among others. As a result, the people of Argentina have recently experienced more than 25% unemployment, 65% annual inflation, and a 10-15% decrease in the GDP, leading to the collapse of the government early in 200
• More structural adjustment requirements will likely be imposed as a condition of authorizing new loans. Health and poverty indicators show that Argentina is a devastated country. Public hospitals and clinics do not have the most elementary medications and supplies to take care of patients. Patients die while on waiting lists for surgeries, diagnoses, or treatments. Preventative screenings are not available. The same developments have unfolded in other institutions following years of managed care administration. For example, the social security program for retired people (PAMI) does not have funds to pay for any health care services. Senior citizens are dying in their homes, waiting in emergency rooms, and at times in the streets. Popular mobilizations play an important role as patients and health workers (physicians and others) analyze the problems they are facing. through spontaneous meetings and self-called assemblies. They are organizing to control the management of public health and social security institutions, and developing organizations to produce generic drugs. The experience of Argentina suggests lessons for other countries on the results of compliance with the globalization process as constructed by the IMF and World Bank.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.