Over the past few days, union organizations and the media reported that the on-call service and hospitalizations at the center, the only one of its kind in Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area, were interrupted, after which the government’s intention to completely stop the hospital’s operations became known.

On Friday, members of the State Workers Association (ATE) occupied the hospital in protest and announced that they would deepen the demonstrations.

In a statement, ATE indicated that 612 jobs are at risk “as a result of the decision taken by the new Minister of Health, Mario Lugones, and communicated by the director of the institution, Cristian Baldino.” “We were able to confirm that the decree with the official announcement of the total closure is scheduled to be signed on Monday,” the statement added, and warned that the measure leaves thousands of patients without treatment, including children and adolescents.

So far this year, the hospital has provided care to more than 25,000 people.

“The Government’s negligence and incompetence in health matters is alarming, but this decision generates an escalation of conflict within the State. The forceful measures will begin to be tougher and this is the exclusive responsibility of the Executive Branch,” said ATE Secretary General Rodolfo Aguiar. “During the last nine months they did not promote a single health policy nor did they implement prevention campaigns. The only thing they did was dismantle programs. We will not allow the hospital, which is a reference and model in mental health throughout the country, to be closed,” he added.

jrr/