The Argentine government recently received approval from the Inter American Development Bank (BID) for a $500 million loan to improve the quality of healthcare services for retirees and pension recipients. The plan will be implemented by the National Institute of Social Services for Retired Persons (INSSJP, PAMI), aiming to optimize chronic disease prevention and control policies and expand access to cancer treatment, benefiting approximately 5.4 million beneficiaries nationwide.

According to the statement of BID, this project will focus on improving the quality of medical and social services, especially in the comprehensive care of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and kidney disease. The plan also includes shortening the waiting time for breast cancer and colon cancer related surgery, and expanding care services for the disabled elderly.

At the same time, the project will promote INSSJP to further integrate information systems in its medical network, improve data management efficiency, and strengthen the regulatory and decision-making capabilities of public services. BID pointed out that this funding will help build a more equitable healthcare system and ensure that vulnerable groups can access more comprehensive health services.

According to the agreement, the loan term is 25 years, with a grace period of the first 5 and a half years, and the interest rate will be adjusted based on the SOFR indicator. BID emphasizes that this support is part of its cooperation strategy with the Argentine Ministry of Finance, aimed at consolidating the country's social development foundation and aligning with a financing plan totaling up to $10 billion over the next three years.

Inter American Development Bank President Iran Goldfarn stated that the institution plans to significantly expand its project scale in Argentina by 2026, continuing to increase investment in infrastructure construction, key mineral development, and private sector investment to support sustainable growth of the Argentine economy.