Since December 2024, public hospitals in the province have issued a total of 167,436 appointments through WhatsApp, according to the Ministry of Health. In January 2026 alone, 16,570 appointments were managed using this digital tool.
The Ministry stated that this system was introduced across 12 public hospitals to improve access to healthcare and streamline administrative processes. The initiative aims to simplify appointment scheduling, reduce waiting times, and minimize unnecessary travel for patients, particularly those living far from urban centers or requiring quick access to care.
Among the facilities using the WhatsApp system, Snopek-CES in Capital has provided 31,778 appointments since its implementation. Hospital Dr. Guillermo C. Paterson in San Pedro reported 30,857 appointments, while Hospital Dr. Arturo Zabala in Perico recorded 29,400.
Other hospitals participating in the program include Pablo Soria, Oscar Orías, Nuestra Señora del Carmen, Snopek, Sequeiros, Gallardo and additional provincial hospitals. These institutions continue to expand their use of the WhatsApp appointment system. Hospitals not yet using this method are preparing for its adoption; for example, La Quiaca will soon implement the service.
A spokesperson for the Ministry said: “The strategy was designed to improve and modernize the experience of every resident in the public health system by simplifying procedures, reducing wait times and avoiding unnecessary queues and travel.”
Patients can request appointments via WhatsApp at several hospitals during specified hours:
– Pablo Soria: Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 388 3301941
– San Roque: Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to noon at 388 4044053
– CES · Snopek: Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Gallardo de Palpaá: Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., both at 388 3316050
– Sequeiros: Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 388 3301941
– Paterson de San Pedro: Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Orías de Libertador: Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to noon at 388 4567229
– Zabala de Perico: Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Nuestra Señora del Carmen: Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to1 p.m., both at 388 4086794
– San Miguel de Yuto: Monday to Friday from 7 a.m.–11:30 a.m.; Zegada de Fraile Pintado: Monday–Friday from 6–12 h at 388 4042794
– San Isidro Labrador de Monterrico: Monday–Friday from 6:30–11:30 h; Calilegua: Monday–Friday from 6:30–14 h at 388 4567025
“The strategy was thought out so as especially benefit people who live far away from urban centers and those who need agile management of their care,” said an official statement.
