ATE Capital's press release highlighted the serious situation caused by the layoffs of more than 360 workers from the National Ministry of Health on January 31. ATE pointed out the responsibility of Mario Iván Lugones, Minister of Health, for this dismantling that directly affects the distribution of medications, emergency health care, and disease prevention.
ATE stated that each person laid off performed essential functions to ensure that medical supplies reached every corner of the country. Additionally, they denounced that the Federal Police prevented a peaceful protest outside the Ministry of Health with kicks and blows, deploying an operation with water trucks and agents to suppress the dismissed workers.
According to ATE, the majority of those laid off had already passed the competency exams imposed by the Ministry and were still dismissed. These layoffs not only mean the loss of hundreds of jobs but also jeopardize the health of the population by dismantling sensitive areas such as the HIV, Hepatitis, STIs, and Tuberculosis Response Directorate.
ATE's statement strongly criticized the National Government for cutting public policies that are fundamental for the population's access to health, putting people's lives and well-being at risk. The layoffs create uncertainty and job insecurity for workers who worked hard to sustain public health services during the pandemic and other emergencies.
The layoffs in the Ministry of Health affect vital areas such as vaccination, care for communicable diseases, and the provision of treatments for various illnesses. ATE called for a protest to raise awareness of the serious labor situation of the laid-off workers and demand the reinstatement of all those affected.
