Argentina’s President Javier Milei took office promising to end the welfare state he says has ruined the economy. But while he implements his plans people are struggling to find medications and some are dying because they’re not getting what they need.

Buenos Aires

Argentina is currently facing a significant health crisis, as cancer patients in the country are experiencing severe difficulties in accessing necessary medications. The situation has escalated to the point where some individuals are dying due to the unavailability of the treatments they require. This crisis emerges amidst broader economic reforms initiated by President Javier Milei, who assumed office with a pledge to dismantle the welfare state that, in his view, has been detrimental to the nation's economy. As President Milei moves forward with his policies, the ramifications are being acutely felt by those in dire need of medical assistance, highlighting the challenges of balancing economic reforms with the healthcare needs of the population.



Argentina health crisis: Cancer patients struggle for medication

The past year hasn't been easy for Pablo Mendoza. He's 15 years old and was diagnosed with leukemia in the middle of an economic crisis in Argentina. His social security benefits don't cover the medication he needs. The law says the federal government is responsible. But Pablo has been struggling to get the chemotherapy that will save him. He's surviving on donations because his family can't afford the treatment, which costs more than $100,000. I feel better now. I was in hospital for a while, and it was horrible. But my mother was able to find a donor for some chemotherapy, and I'm better now. Many are blaming Javier Millet, who took office promising to reduce government spending. His stringent reforms are having an impact on poor Argentinians and those in need of medical help. Celeste is 31 and has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer that attacks the immune system. It can be cured if treated early. The government says that there were irregularities in the handling of the medicines, but that they never stopped giving them away. They have created a list of people with the cases that they were taking care of. Celeste's case is right there, but until now she has not received the medicines she desperately needs. The last time she received a full treatment was in December. Deborah Borco runs a cancer charity. She says the government department in charge of handling the medication is being audited and isn't responding to patients' needs. We have been assisting families for 13 years, but since December we have been getting dozens of cases with people calling us, crying every hour. We don't know what else to do to help them. Many of those fighting to get the medicines have ended up in court, suing the government. Pablo Riveros has a rare chronic hemolytic anemia, a condition which means his red blood cells are being destroyed faster than his body can replace them. We contacted a lawyer and we made it public so our case wasn't rejected, and that's why he has the medicine until May the 6th. After that, we will have to start again. These are just some of the people whose lives are at risk because they rely on the state to save them, but they aren't getting the help they need. At least two cancer patients have died in recent weeks. Survivors are hoping the new government won't forget them. Teresa Bo, Al Jazeera, Buenos Aires.

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