Inequality in access to palliative care persists in Latin America

Access to palliative care remains a significant challenge in Latin America, driven by social and economic disparities rather than just medical needs. In Argentina, an estimated 65,000 people require palliative care annually. While the country enacted National Palliative Care Law No. 27,678 in 2022, social inequalities continue to create clinical consequences, such as difficulties obtaining medication, treatment interruptions, and lack of specialized resources in certain territories.

Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that 56.8 million people require such care each year, yet only 14% have access to it. In Mexico, similar gaps exist, particularly outside major cities, where a lack of specialized services makes pain management difficult. Patients and caregivers often face exhaustion, misinformation, and inadequate support during terminal illnesses.