Crisis in Cardiology: Argentina's Heartbeat Under Threat

Ada, an 83-year-old Argentine woman, faced a six-month battle to get heart surgery due to insufficient medical supplies and bureaucracy. Under President Javier Milei's economic measures, healthcare is under strain with high poverty and inflation. An exodus of doctors and supply shortages are worsening the crisis.

Ada, an 83-year-old woman from Argentina, spent half a year waiting for heart surgery, nearly losing her life amid a complex web of bureaucracy and lack of medical supplies. Her case is not isolated; it's becoming a troubling norm under President Javier Milei's stringent economic policies.

The economic crisis in Argentina, marked by an inflation rate of 209%, is putting immense pressure on the country's healthcare system. Surgeons and medical personnel are facing a 'perfect storm' where dwindling supplies, a rise in healthcare costs, and an exodus of doctors are threatening the field specifically tasked with addressing heart disease, Argentina's leading cause of death.

Ada was fortunate enough to receive surgery with the help of her family and a dedicated doctor, but post-surgery follow-up care has been delayed. The broader healthcare system is struggling, as seen in a recent protest by cardiologists over low pay and lack of resources, with public hospitals overwhelmed due to increased poverty.

(With inputs from agencies.)