Attack on the surplus: the emergency pediatrics law received preliminary approval

In a context marked by the crisis at Hospital Garrahan and the conflict with health residents, the Chamber of Deputies gave preliminary approval to the so-called "Pediatric Health Emergency and National Health Residencies". The initiative, mainly promoted by Kirchnerism and allied sectors, was approved with an aggravated majority of more than two-thirds: 159 votes in favor, 67 against, and 4 abstentions. This figure represents a resounding victory for the opposition, which, however, deepens the fiscal imbalance at a critical moment for the country.

The bill mandates the "priority and immediate" allocation of resources to the pediatric sector for two years, including salary increases for health personnel and the guarantee of the "full and sustained operation" of hospitals such as Garrahan, declared a national reference hospital for high complexity. However, this measure represents a direct blow to the fiscal surplus that Milei's government has managed to maintain since taking office.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the immediate salary adjustment to match wages to the real level of November 2023 would entail an additional expenditure of $65.573 billion just between July and December, and an annualized figure that would reach $133.433 billion. In addition, the law provides for the exemption from the Income Tax for personnel performing critical activities, overtime, or on-call shifts, further increasing the fiscal cost.

Libertarians and allies of the ruling party firmly opposed the bill due to its high cost and lack of technical support, warning that it is a maneuver to reinforce inefficient bureaucracies and legalize sectoral privileges. Deputy Juliana Santillán warned that "this law promotes uncontrolled spending and lacks solid foundations, being a direct threat to the economic stability achieved by this government."

The opposition, meanwhile, defended the bill with emotional speeches. Neuroscientist Facundo Manes pointed out that "public health is linked to economic and human development", while Pablo Yedlin, chair of the Health Committee, warned that Hospital Garrahan is at risk of closure, noting that "it treated 355,000 children in 2024 and there is no alternative for high-complexity cases".

Nevertheless, the objective reality shows that Garrahan's budget increased by 247% since the current government took office, a figure that exceeds accumulated inflation by 124 points. In addition, doctors' salaries have already increased by 63% so far this year, showing that the opposition not only disregards the fiscal reality but also responds with populist measures that threaten economic sustainability.

After preliminary approval, the law will now go to the Senate, where Peronism has already announced its intention to call a session quickly for its final approval. From Casa Rosada, however, it was made clear that Milei's government will veto the bill in its entirety if it becomes law.