IOMA crisis threatens disability services in Buenos Aires

The provincial health insurer Instituto de Obra Médico Asistencial (IOMA) faces a financial shortfall of roughly $300 million, delaying payments to disability day‑centres in the Buenos Aires province. In La Plata, the Centre Cántaros warned that the debt endangers services for about 90 people with disabilities, while in Bahía Blanca the Institute of Integral Rehabilitation (IREL) reported similar risks. Provincial deputy Andrés De Leo presented a request for information in the lower house, demanding a detailed accounting of the overdue amounts.

On Wednesday, workers and families of several centres, including Ensueño, For Ever and Siluva, protested outside IOMA’s headquarters in La Plata, demanding the regularisation of payments. IOMA has made partial payments to some providers, temporarily easing the tension, but the centres say the outstanding debt still threatens salaries, transport and the continuity of essential rehabilitation services.