Garrahan Hospital workers call for protest amid funding disputes

Workers at the Garrahan Hospital in Buenos Aires have called for a protest on Thursday, November 5, to demand more staff, basic supplies, and improved infrastructure. Organized by the ATE internal union, the demonstration aims to commemorate the anniversary of a 61% salary increase while denouncing alleged disciplinary persecution of union delegates and a decline in pediatric care quality.

Union representatives, including Alejandro Lipcovich and Gerardo Oroz, claim the hospital has not hired new personnel in three years, failing to cover resignations or retirements. They argue that these shortages directly damage patient care.

The Argentine national government has rejected allegations of defunding or hiring freezes. Officials stated that staff salaries increased by over 80% in the last year and attributed the protest to political motivations related to the upcoming election cycle. The government maintains that financial restructuring has allowed for investments in works and equipment, asserting that the hospital hires staff as needed to ensure adequate coverage.