The Ministry of Health of the Nation is making progress in achieving objectives

The National Ministry of Health, led by Mario Lugones, has been meeting a series of objectives that enhance the official's administration.

Among others, a significant advance was achieved in the voluntary elimination of six synthetic colorants in food and the verification of QR codes with prices on pharmacy medications.

Additionally, after a series of suspicions regarding cheating in the exams for entry into medical residencies, results were annulled, the exam was retaken, and justice was served to cheaters who attempted to enter through illegal maneuvers.

Other achievements of the National Ministry of Health under Lugones

• Situation room: data analysis of respiratory infections and measles
• Participation in the ADECRA Congress
• Publication of the final merit ranking for medical residencies
• Strengthening of the Quality Control Program in Bacteriology and Antimicrobial Resistance, composed of 464 public and private institutions

Progress in the elimination of synthetic colorants in food

Lugones led a working group together with the National Food Institute (INAL) and the Coordinator of the Food Products Industries (COPAL), a business entity representing Argentina's food and beverage industry.

The purpose of the meeting was to share progress and ensure continuity of the actions implemented at a federal level and in collaboration with the main stakeholders in the sector, to improve the regulation and quality of food products.

During the meeting, and at the request of the health ministry, INAL proposed to COPAL to work on a plan for the substitution of synthetic colorants present in food products, even in those that do not require color additives for their acceptance.

Emphasizing that the goal is to improve the quality of food marketed in the country, it was agreed to work on a framework agreement that would allow companies to implement this elimination voluntarily and gradually.

The proposal arises from a survey conducted by INAL on the widespread use of artificial additives and colorants in processed foods, such as Sunset Yellow, Tartrazine, Brilliant Blue, Allura Red, Indigotine, and Solid Green.

This aligns with the decision of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the recommendation of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, which suggest the progressive eradication of synthetic colorants by the end of 2026.

The United States set a precedent regarding the legal regulations of certain additives, and Argentina is evaluating its own regulations and which direction to take regarding food additives.

Mercosur also suggests a precautionary approach to the consumption of these ingredients harmful to health.

Verification of QR codes with prices on pharmacy medications

As a result of the joint work between the National Ministry of Health and the Secretariat of Industry and Commerce, inspections began to verify that pharmacies in the country display a QR code with direct access to the updated list of prices for each of the medications they sell.

In this first inspection, it was verified that 88% of the establishments had the QR code correctly placed, in a visible location, clear and easily accessible for the consumer.

The first 200 establishments inspected are from AMBA: 131 from CABA and 69 from GBA, and the verification plan includes inspections throughout the country. During the operation, it was verified that 176 establishments had the QR code correctly placed, in a visible and easily accessible location.

Additionally, 24 pharmacies were charged for not displaying the QR code and failing to comply with the provisions of Resolution No. 4/2025 of the Secretariat of Commerce.

Meanwhile, of the pharmacies inspected, only 44 directed to the website with the prices of the medications, so the rest of the establishments were ordered to update the link within 5 days, in accordance with Article 1 of Provision 481/2025 of the Undersecretariat for Consumer Defense and Fair Trade, complementary to Joint Resolution 2/2025.

It should be noted that the implementation of this plan was agreed upon in mid-July between the authorities of the National Ministry of Health, the Secretariat of Industry and Commerce, the Undersecretariat for Consumer Defense and Fair Trade, together with representatives of the pharmaceutical chambers FEFARA and COFA.

In just one month, the inspections show that 88% of pharmacies complied with the measure, showing the commitment of the parties to promote a more transparent, equitable environment, with more information and focused on freedom of choice.

Publication of the final merit ranking for medical residencies

The final merit ranking that defines entry into the 2025 medical residencies is available on the official website of the National Ministry of Health.

In compliance with the established stages, the process of assigning positions will take place between August 25 and 29, and starting September 1, new residents may begin their residencies, as planned.

According to Resolution 1164/2025, for the calculation of the merit ranking, an additional 5 points were awarded to those who completed their entire undergraduate studies at Argentine universities.

This way, the aim was to correct the inequities that have historically arisen from differences in the system for calculating academic averages between Argentine and foreign universities.

Upcoming residents will have to choose between two different hiring modalities to carry out this postgraduate training in service.

Through the update of the regulations of the National Medical Residency System, the national health ministry established two possible options: Institution Scholarship or Ministry Scholarship. Both modalities will continue to be financed by the national government.

Residents who choose the first option will be hired directly by the institution where they carry out their residency, will receive the full amount without deductions, and will have the possibility of receiving additional bonuses provided by the establishment.

Accident insurance and health insurance will be covered by the institution.

On the other hand, those who opt for the Ministry Scholarship will receive their income with the deductions provided for in the pension system, will be incorporated into the National State Workers' Health Insurance, and will not have access to the bonuses granted by the institution.

Accident insurance must be covered by the institution.

Additionally, residents who began their residencies in previous years may also choose to change their modality.

Those who decide not to do so will not see their conditions or the benefits granted so far modified.

Postgraduate training in services is a strategic tool to strengthen professional specialization, and each professional has the right to freely choose how to pursue it.