in the program “Welcome to the train” from Bravo TV, Experts pointed out a fact that worries the healthcare system: Preventable mortality among older adults is increasing due to lack of access to essential medicines. As doctor Oscar Atienza explained, the situation is already showing more serious signs than those recorded during the pandemic.
The driver Juan di Natale opened the debate with a discussion of the associated increase in deaths poorly controlled chronic diseases. Atienza was forceful: “If a hypertensive or diabetic patient doesn’t access their medication or starts splitting pills and increasing doses, the risk of a stroke, heart attack or death increases immediately.”
A recent study in Córdoba – extrapolated to the rest of the country due to the quality of the records – found a Excess mortality of 11% in people over 65 years of age. “During the pandemic it was 10.6%. “Today the number is higher and this is directly related to the lack of medicines,” warned the specialist. He also pointed out that due to the dynamics of chronic diseases, the actual rate will be even higher when evaluated in a few years.
Di Natale agreed that restricting access to drugs would only tend to make the situation worse Deterioration in the purchasing power of pensioners.
Atienza explained that the problem does not only affect those who die: “Those who do not die remain.” lasting consequences. We are seeing longer hospital stays, more rehabilitation and more people no longer living active lives but dependent on their families.” This situation, he noted, tends up being more expensive that the health system ensures access to medication.
During the talk, another panelist added another concern: the Deterioration in quality of life. Atienza agreed, explaining that morbidity is also increasing. “Untreated diabetics, people with chronic pain, strokes, heart attacks… those who survive suffer lifelong consequences.”
One in three older adults suffers at least one fall per year
The Health crisis – he claimed – affects both older people and children: “There is a shortage of medicines for grandparents and vaccines for children. “There are already eight child deaths that could have been prevented.”
Atienza listed unusual outbreaks of diseases that had been under control for decades: syphilis, tuberculosis, measles, mumps, whooping cough, dengue fever, yellow fever and even hantavirus. “As a doctor I have never seen a case of measlesand today we have outbreaks,” he noted.
Finally, the specialist expressed a general warning: “All indicators are out of order.” The public health system needs to undergo a thorough review. There is something that is not working and is not being seen.”
L.B
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