The outbreak of bronchiolitis, with an increase in cases of up to 30%, again stressed the health system and focused on the employment situation of pediatricians: the Argentine Society of Pediatrics (SAP) issued a statement in which it demanded to improve conditions and demanded in this regard a commitment from the State and private institutions.
Among the most salient points of the extensive statement, the entity urged "the competent authorities to convene a dialogue table, in order to find a response that considers an adequate solution to this situation of work overload for pediatricians and obstacles to timely care for patients."
This year, the Lower Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) season was brought forward, with greater virus circulation and a strong burden of respiratory syncytial, which is what causes bronchiolitis. The outbreak especially affects infants and young children. And as Clarín was able to verify both in GBA and City hospitals, the increased demand is impacting care. In the Paroissien of La Matanza, for example, on Tuesday there was up to six hours of delay.
Buenos Aires Health Minister Nicolas Kreplak said we are experiencing "the worst bronchiolitis epidemic on record." The experts called for more caution, but acknowledged that the situation is serious. The official also admitted "a context in which there are few pediatricians," although he maintained that this problem "is happening all over the world."
What the SAP statement says
In the statement signed on Tuesday by the Board of Directors of the SAP also mentions "the delicate epidemiological situation due to the increase in respiratory infections that is affecting children and adolescents" and in this framework the society expressed "its recognition to the pediatricians who, once again, are carrying out their task with dedication throughout the country, despite the difficult working conditions and the postponement of legitimate claims."
"We are in a difficult scenario for the professional practice of pediatrics," was blunt the entity that brings together pediatricians in the country. And he listed a series of problems: "Unacceptable working conditions, high workload, job instability, lack of stimulus for growth, situations of violence, low pay, need for multiple jobs to make ends meet and lack of opportunities to update in the profession."
The pediatricians pointed out that this critical situation occurs in both the public and private spheres: "There are frequent factors related to the increase in demand, decrease in human resources in the health team, caused by the lack of new appointments, vacant positions that are not filled, temporary contracts, deficiencies in equipment and infrastructure, lack of time to properly examine patients, devaluation of professional work."
"Today being part of the health system, particularly in the care sector, is quite exhausting," they said.
The SAP called for a dialogue table so that "the necessary measures can be taken to improve the conditions of the professional practice of pediatrics and thus ensure the health and well-being of our children and adolescents."
"If we bet on a serious country, it is necessary that the State and the whole society, including all the institutions that are part of it, worry about medical professional development, both for their training and for the working conditions to which those who work to take care of everyone's health are subjected. Protecting the health of children and adolescents by facilitating their access to pediatric care in conditions of equity and quality requires public policies aimed at this regard, which prioritize professional training and the conditions in which the profession is exercised, "said the entity.
ACE
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