Tucumán medical negligence trial begins for child's death

A trial has commenced in Tucumán, Argentina, against three healthcare professionals accused of involuntary manslaughter following the death of eight-year-old Matías Juárez in 2016.

The incident occurred during a scheduled tonsil and adenoid surgery at the Sanatorio San Lucas in San Miguel de Tucumán. Prosecutors allege that the medical team, including Álvaro Páez, Federica María Carolina Castro, and Florencia María Jerez, failed to perform necessary complementary exams that could have detected an ischemic stroke developing during the procedure.

According to the prosecution, the surgery lasted longer than usual due to bleeding that was not adequately investigated or treated. Following the operation, the child showed signs of severe complications, including vomiting blood and shock, before being moved to intensive care. The trial, presided over by Judge Wendy Kassary, will examine the medical actions taken to determine responsibility for the minor's death.