# Digital health and emergency medical access in AR and CL

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/medical-emergencies-in-argentina-and-chile
> Updated: 2026-09-03T23:36:45.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 4.

Medical emergencies in Argentina and Chile have been impacted by fires and extreme weather. In Argentina, a severe fire in Angaco resulted in the death of Víctor Castillo on August 30, following a week of intensive care for severe burns and respiratory complications. Another individual, Miriam Ester Irrazábal, was also injured. In Chile, extreme weather and road closures in the Taltal sector of the Antofagasta Region necessitated the use of telemedicine. Dr. Pedro Usedo, acting director of the Hospital Regional de Antofagasta, utilized telephone-based remote evaluation to monitor and stabilize Saúl Castillo, 47, while the patient was isolated in the Punta de Plata sector. This remote care continued until roads reopened. Digital health initiatives are expanding medical access across both nations. In Argentina, IPROSS has expanded a digital authorization system for diagnostic imaging in Río Negro regions such as Alto Valle and Valle Medio. In Chubut, a partnership between the provincial health secretariat and the Alexander Fleming Institute enables specialists in Buenos Aires to remotely interpret mammographies for hospitals in Trevelin and El Maitén. The José Alberto Sánchez Hospital in Río Turbio has introduced telemedicine cabins to connect the Carboniferous Basin with provincial health networks for specialties including cardiology, neurology, and psychiatry. Further expansions include Misiones, Argentina, where the Ministry of Public Health is preparing a new provincial application to replace Alegramed and expand telemedicine capabilities. In Santa Cruz, Argentina, the regional government has deployed telemedicine kiosks (tótems) for non-emergency consultations and digital prescriptions. In Chile, the Talca Regional Hospital launched a pilot program in San Clemente using the ‘Hospital Digital’ platform to provide remote rheumatology services. Recent developments in Argentina show further expansion of healthcare access through funding and digital services.

## Claims

- The Hospital Regional de Antofagasta used telemedicine to treat a patient isolated by weather in Taltal. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Saúl Castillo, a 47-year-old resident of Punta de Plata, received remote medical evaluation via telephone. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Dr. Pedro Usedo provided remote diagnosis and monitoring to stabilize the patient during road closures. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Healthcare access expands in Argentina via new funding and telemedicine agreements

Healthcare access in Argentina is expanding through a new OSEF financing agreement for public hospitals in Tierra del Fuego and a telemedicine partnership for SUOEM municipal workers in La Banda.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/healthcare-access-expands-in-argentina-via-new-funding-and-telemedicine-agreements

### 2026-09-03: Regional health authorities expand telemedicine and digital platforms

Health authorities in Argentina and Chile are expanding telemedicine through new mobile applications, digital platforms, and specialized kiosks to improve specialist access and patient monitoring.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/regional-health-authorities-expand-telemedicine-and-digital-platforms

### 2026-08-31: Digital health initiatives expand medical access in Argentina and Chile

Health services in Argentina and Chile are expanding telemedicine and digital authorization systems to improve medical access and specialist consultations in remote and isolated regions.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hospital-regional-de-antofagasta-uses-telemedicine-to-treat-isolated-patient

### 2026-08-30: Medical emergencies reported in Argentina and Chile

Two separate incidents involve medical emergencies: the death of Víctor Castillo following a fire in Argentina, and the use of telemedicine to treat an isolated patient in Chile.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/medical-emergencies-reported-in-argentina-and-chile

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Cite as: Digital health and emergency medical access in AR and CL. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/medical-emergencies-in-argentina-and-chile