PAMI crisis sparks retiree protests and legislative push in Argentina

Retirees gathered in Concordia outside PAMI offices demanding faster medical care, timely medication and more doctors, blaming national budget‑cut measures. Protesters urged director Karina Bernardi to respect older patients and warned that up to 14,000 affiliates could be left without care if the funding shortfall continues.

In the province of Neuquén, the legislature approved a request for information from PAMI, which serves more than 70,000 local affiliates. Deputies noted that two‑thirds of affiliates are already being treated in hospitals, but unpaid fees have led private clinics to suspend services, causing delays in appointments, supply shortages and postponed surgeries. Lawmakers called for urgent dialogue to ensure continuity of medical attention for the vulnerable retiree population.