# Catamarca public health system challenges and reforms > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/catamarca-public-health-system-challenges-and-reforms > Updated: 2026-08-28T03:55:11.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. The public health system in Catamarca has faced significant operational challenges, particularly regarding mental health services. Hospital San Juan Bautista reported a shortage of psychiatrists in emergency sectors and a critical lack of specialized beds, noting that of its 177 beds, only 14 are dedicated to mental health. This scarcity often forces patients into beds intended for other medical specialties. In response to broader healthcare needs, a new agreement between the Ministry of Health and the Obra Social de los Empleados Públicos (OSEP) was established to improve medication access. Starting September 1, OSEP will manage the purchase and distribution of drugs while the Ministry maintains financing. This initiative allows patients to collect medications at any pharmacy within the OSEP network, including in neighboring jurisdictions, to reduce travel and wait times. The program will initially prioritize high-cost biological medications for oncology and transplant patients. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-28: Catamarca health agreement expands medication access Starting September 1, Catamarca's public health patients can collect medications at any pharmacy in the OSEP network, including in Córdoba and Tucumán, initially focusing on high-cost and biological drugs. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catamarca-health-agreement-expands-medication-access ### 2026-08-22: Catamarca mental health system faces psychiatrist shortages and bed scarcity Catamarca's mental health system faces critical shortages of psychiatrists, limited specialized hospital beds, and difficulties in patient referrals and long-term care options. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catamarca-mental-health-system-faces-psychiatrist-shortages-and-bed-scarcity --- Cite as: Catamarca public health system challenges and reforms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/catamarca-public-health-system-challenges-and-reforms