The national government is promoting a salary increase for Garrahan's doctors, while the unions are attempting to block the progress
"This increase is the result of the budget planning set for this stage of the year, not of the protest actions scripted by Kirchnerist activists hiding behind the doctors," the hospital administration stated in a document reviewed by Casa Rosada. Milei's administration doesn't hide its intention to mark a break with the recent past: "Garrahan will no longer be a refuge for 'ñoquis,' and anyone who doesn't show up for work will be dismissed," the hospital management declared.
This firm stance is accompanied by a political and communication offensive to dismantle the power of unions that, according to Government sources, seek to delegitimize any progress if it isn't aligned with their interests. "Following President Javier Milei's vision—who has exposed how State resources were squandered for years by a caste of activists and privileged individuals—this leading pediatric hospital continues a phase of order, efficiency, and recognition of merit," states the document that formalized the increase.
Meanwhile, the Garrahan Residents' Assembly issued its own statement, rejecting the manner of the announcement and claiming that there was no formal proposal at the bargaining table from the Ministry. Although they emphasized that their demand "doesn't respond to partisan interests" and that they seek "transparency and efficiency", they decided to continue the protest action at least until the Tuesday assembly. The only activity planned in the short term by this group is a candlelight march at the Obelisk on Monday night.
The Government interprets that the union reaction doesn't respond to genuine dissatisfaction, but to a loss of power. ATE described the improvement as a "defeat" for the Government, but at the same time acknowledged that the increase doesn't meet the highest demands of the claim, revealing a narrative contradiction.
The background of this conflict has a strong ideological component. President Javier Milei linked the confrontation to the existence of "ñoquis" in the health system. In statements to the media outlet Neura, he said: "Do you agree with having 'ñoquis' who siphon off resources to people who don't work? Administrative employees invented by Kirchnerism."
The national administration also made it clear that days not worked will be deducted from resident doctors and that they could face dismissal if absences exceed five days. Far from backing down, Casa Rosada aims to separate committed professionals from activists disguised as workers.
In a new chapter of the State's structural reorganization plan, the Government of Javier Milei announced a 63.12% increase for resident doctors at Hospital Garrahan, which would raise their net salary from $797,000 to $1,300,000 per month starting July 1. However, the measure was rejected by union and labor sectors that insist on maintaining a conflict that, according to Casa Rosada, is fueled by partisan interests and an entrenched power structure.
The salary update includes a nominal increase of $300,000 as a bonus, rising from $200,000 to $500,000, representing a significant fiscal effort amid a budget adjustment process that prioritizes efficiency, order, and meritocracy. Far from easing the conflict, unions aligned with ATE—which do not exclusively represent residents—called for a new assembly for next Tuesday, July 3 at 1:00 p.m., with the possibility of further protest actions.
From the ATE Internal Board they reported that the increase "excludes 90% of the hospital staff", and accused the Government of seeking to "divide" the healthcare team. "This doesn't work with just one part, not even with all the doctors. The demand is also for permanent staff, including female doctors, nurses, technicians, and imaging staff," a union spokesperson stated. However, the Executive keeps that the improvement is concrete, aimed at a key sector, and the result of serious planning, not sectoral pressure.
In line with this position, the hospital's official statement emphasized that a thorough audit is being carried out to eliminate "budget deviations and superfluous expenses." Deputy Minister Cecilia Loccisano, who was the spokesperson on the issue throughout the week, had recorded a video announcing the salary improvement the previous Friday, but its publication was delayed for communication strategy reasons.
