PAMI Affiliates Face Healthcare Disruptions as Hospital Italiano Ends Contract
Approximately 40,000 retirees in Argentina have lost access to healthcare services at the Hospital Italiano following the termination of a contract between the hospital and the Programa de Atención Médica Integral (PAMI), the country’s public healthcare program for retirees and pensioners. The change, effective March 26, 2026, impacts access to non-emergency care, though existing patients with scheduled surgeries and those currently hospitalized will continue to receive treatment.
Contract Dispute and Concerns Over Privatization
The contract between PAMI and Hospital Italiano was not renewed due to a disagreement over the per capita payment—the price the hospital sought for each affiliated patient. According to a PAMI source, the hospital requested an increase in this fee, but an agreement could not be reached as reported by Clarín.
The Front of Retirees in Struggle (FREJEL) has voiced strong concerns, alleging a deliberate plan to dismantle public healthcare services and redirect patients to private institutions. Héctor Gutiérrez, a representative of FREJEL, described the transfer of 3,000 PAMI affiliates from PAMI 1 and PAMI 2 polyclinics in Rosario to Hospital Italiano as a means of funneling state funds to private healthcare providers as detailed in Radio UNR.
FREJEL fears that this shift will result in the loss of essential benefits, the disruption of care with trusted specialists, and a transformation of polyclinics into basic day-care centers, with complex procedures referred to other hospitals. Retirees also express concern about losing their established relationships with their current doctors and being required to undergo new tests within a system prioritizing profit over geriatric health.
PAMI’s Response and Alternative Options
PAMI has stated that it will continue to provide care for patients requiring emergency services and will redirect those needing ambulatory attention to alternative centers. The organization also indicated that it may cover the cost of individual treatments at Hospital Italiano in specific cases where care is deemed essential according to Clarín.
PAMI has updated its list of exclusive hospitals and healthcare centers for 2025, offering affiliates access to specialized care and technology as published by Perfil. Key centers include the Unidad Asistencial Dr. César Milstein in Buenos Aires, the Hospital del Bicentenario in Ituzaingó, and the Hospital Bernardo Houssay in Mar del Plata. A complete list is available on the PAMI website.
Ongoing Protests and Labor Concerns
FREJEL is organizing protests to defend the rights of older adults and demand the preservation of public healthcare services. They are advocating for the right of beneficiaries to choose their healthcare providers and to continue receiving care at PAMI’s polyclinics.
The union front has also raised concerns about the administrative management of PAMI Rosario, criticizing controller Guido Orlandi for a lack of consultation with retirees and for attributing decisions to national mandates. They have denounced the offering of voluntary retirements to social workers, alleging a deliberate effort to reduce the operational capacity of the institution, reminiscent of past dismantling efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Approximately 40,000 PAMI affiliates have lost access to Hospital Italiano.
- The contract termination stems from a disagreement over per capita payments.
- FREJEL alleges a plan to privatize healthcare services and redirect funds to private institutions.
- PAMI is providing alternative care options through its network of exclusive hospitals and centers.
- Protests are planned to defend the rights of older adults and preserve public healthcare.
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