President Javier Milei’s administration will abolish Argentina’s national cancer institute, citing inefficiencies and duplication of tasks. The institute will be integrated into the Health Ministry, and previous programs are promised to continue. Protests are ongoing against government cuts to public health funding and employment.
The administration of President Javier Milei has recently announced the closure of Argentina’s national cancer institute (Instituto Nacional del Cáncer). The Health Ministry cited a “duplicity of tasks” and the need for “greater control of actions” as reasons for this decision. The institute will be integrated into the Health Ministry itself, following an evaluation of logistical inefficiencies, such as issues with expiring medication and overlapping programs already handled by other governmental bodies.
The government highlighted significant issues with drug procurement, including a notable case from 2023 during former president Alberto Fernández’s tenure, which involved the disposal of 400,000 expired morphine units. In their official statement, the Health Ministry assured that this reorganization would not impact any ongoing programs previously ensured by the national cancer institute, framing it as an administrative adjustment to rectify identified issues.
The announcement has raised concerns regarding the future of the agency’s 183 employees, as Milei’s administration continues a strict approach to reducing state expenditures. Recently, numerous health organizations, unions, and patient groups staged protests in Buenos Aires against government actions, including health service fund cuts and the dismissal of personnel.
This closure is one of many state agency eliminations under Milei’s leadership since December 2023, including the cancellation of the national film institute (INCAA), the Ministry of Women, Gender and Diversity, the anti-discrimination agency (INADI), and the state news organization Télam. Additionally, Milei and his administration have openly celebrated the reduction of over 40,000 public sector jobs in the previous year.
In summary, President Javier Milei’s government has announced the closure of Argentina’s national cancer institute, citing various administrative inefficiencies. This decision aligns with a broader trend of state cuts and workforce reductions under Milei’s leadership. Protest from health organizations and unions highlights the growing tension regarding public health funding and employment security in the sector, raising questions about the future of healthcare in Argentina.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
