Buenos Aires Health Minister Labels Foreign Patient Fee Bill Racist

Buenos Aires Province Health Minister Nicolás Kreplak condemned a bill introduced by provincial deputy Agustín Romo that would require non‑resident foreigners to pay for public hospital care and charge tuition fees at the province’s two public universities. Kreplak described the proposal as “racist, discriminatory and having no impact,” arguing that its sponsors lack understanding of the public health system.

The bill specifies that fees would not apply to emergency treatments or situations threatening life or health. Kreplak cited a 2023 study by the Fundación Soberanía Sanitaria showing that non‑resident foreigners accounted for only 0.2 % of digital consultations and 0.81 % of hospital admissions in the province that year, indicating a negligible financial effect. Critics also noted that foreign students already need a national ID, which requires permanent residency, making the university fee component redundant.

Supporters of the measure, including 18 deputies and PRO lawmaker Guillermo Montenegro, presented it as a response to criticism Argentina faced online during the World Cup. The debate continues amid concerns over discrimination and the practical implications for the province’s health and education systems.