Mario Fiad, provincial deputy and first president of the Legislature of Jujuy, said on April 1 that there is a shortage of flu vaccines in health centers and blamed the national government for not providing enough doses.
Fiad said this situation puts Jujuy at greater risk during the flu season. He also criticized the national government’s approach to public health amid current budget cuts.
“The Nation does not send enough vaccines and Jujuy is more exposed to the flu,” Fiad said. He described what he called “the most alarming sign of this neglect” as being a lack of vaccine supply. According to Fiad, “the national government has revealed its harshest side, shown by its deliberate disregard for public health.” He called the situation “an act of political irresponsibility without precedent,” arguing that basic supplies for epidemiological prevention are not being guaranteed.
Fiad warned that this shortage comes at a critical time with winter approaching, when respiratory illnesses usually increase. “Unfortunately they decided that public health is an expendable cost,” he said, adding that current policies push public health down in state priorities.
He further argued that under these conditions, healthcare has stopped being a priority and has become subject to spending cuts. Fiad also questioned what he described as a “redirection of public spending.” He stated this approach reflects a view that sees healthcare as “a profitable business rather than a human right,” mentioning links between private health sectors and those in power in Jujuy.
Finally, Fiad warned that vulnerable groups are most affected by these circumstances. “In the middle of this struggle over interests are retirees, children and chronic patients—true victims of these cuts,” he concluded.
