Public Healthcare Facilities

Major Public Hospitals in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital of Argentina, boasts a well-developed public healthcare system that serves both its residents and visitors. At the core of this system are the major public hospitals, which provide a wide range of medical services. Here are some of the key public hospitals in the city:

1. Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín
   Located in the heart of the city, this teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Buenos Aires is one of the most important medical centers in the country. It offers comprehensive medical care across numerous specialties, including cardiology, neurology, and oncology. The hospital is known for its research initiatives and advanced medical treatments.

2. Hospital General de Agudos Dr. Cosme Argerich
   Situated in the La Boca neighborhood, this hospital is renowned for its emergency care and trauma services. It also provides specialized departments for pediatrics, gynecology, and surgery among others. The hospital serves as a crucial healthcare provider for the southern part of Buenos Aires.

3. Hospital Elizalde
   As one of the oldest pediatric hospitals in Latin America, Hospital Elizalde is a key institution for children's healthcare. It offers a variety of pediatric services, including neonatal care, surgery, and childhood disease management.

4. Hospital Fernández
   Located in the neighborhood of Palermo, this hospital offers a variety of surgical services along with internal medicine, psychiatry, and rehabilitation. Its accessible location makes it a vital healthcare facility for both local residents and visitors.

These hospitals represent the backbone of public healthcare in Buenos Aires, ensuring broad medical support for various healthcare needs.

Primary Healthcare Centers (CAPS)

The Primary Healthcare Centers, or Centros de Atención Primaria de la Salud (CAPS), play a crucial role in the Buenos Aires healthcare system by providing accessible and preventive healthcare services to the community. These centers are strategically distributed across the city to ensure that residents have easy access to basic health services.

• Services Offered: CAPS focus on preventive care, vaccinations, maternal and child health, and management of chronic diseases. They also provide nutritional guidance and health education.

• Community Integration: These centers are deeply integrated into communities, often collaborating with local organizations to promote healthy living and address specific health challenges within neighborhoods.

• Accessibility: With numerous CAPS available throughout the city, healthcare is brought closer to the residents, reducing the need for long-distance travel to major hospitals. Most services are free of charge, making them an integral part of the public healthcare strategy.

Emergency Services and Accessibility

Emergency healthcare services in Buenos Aires are designed to provide immediate medical attention across the city. The emergency system is robust, ensuring rapid response and access to urgent care.

• Emergency Care Units: Public hospitals are equipped with 24/7 emergency rooms handling a variety of critical conditions, from accidents and injuries to acute medical emergencies.

• Ambulance Services: Buenos Aires operates a network of ambulance services that can be reached via a dedicated emergency number. The ambulances are well-equipped and staffed with trained paramedics to manage emergencies efficiently.

• Accessibility: Emergency services are systematically organized to ensure coverage throughout the city. Hospitals and CAPS often have emergency protocols in place, allowing for effective patient transport and care.

• Language Services: To accommodate international visitors, many emergency facilities have staff proficient in English and other languages, ensuring clear communication during critical situations.

The public healthcare facilities in Buenos Aires, encompassing major hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and emergency services, are structured to provide comprehensive and accessible care to all who need it, cementing the city's commitment to public health and wellbeing.