Buenos Aires Medical College opposes national deregulation efforts

The Medical College of the Province of Buenos Aires has issued a formal rejection of recent proposals by National Health Minister Mario Lugones to deregulate professional registration. During the AmCham Health Forum 2026, Lugones questioned the mandatory nature of professional matriculation and the contributions made by physicians to practice within the province.

The College argued that such deregulation would reduce a regulatory institution to a “mere economic cost,” undermining its ethical, legal, and public health protection roles. The entity emphasized that mandatory registration is a vital tool for ensuring ethical medical practice and verifying the credentials of both national and foreign professionals.

Furthermore, the institution warned that weakening these structures could increase labor precariousness, leaving doctors vulnerable to private healthcare providers and prepaid medicine companies. The College maintains that its functions—including legal defense, continuous training, and professional oversight—are essential for patient safety and professional dignity.