Buenos Aires Province Pays $1.23 Billion Debt to Garrahan Hospital, Disputes National Government's Claims

The Ministry of Health for Buenos Aires province has announced that the provincial health insurance agency, IOMA, has fully paid its outstanding debt of over 1.23 billion pesos to the Garrahan Hospital. This payment aims to resolve a significant financial dispute between the provincial administration and the renowned pediatric hospital.

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the last pending balance, for more than 1.23 billion pesos, was canceled in its entirety.

Provincial health authorities stated that IOMA sent a letter to the Garrahan Hospital confirming the complete settlement of the final pending balance. According to administrative records, IOMA maintains that no outstanding obligations remain. The ministry further asserted that a substantial portion, approximately 85%, of the amount claimed by the national government as unpaid lacks proper documentary, technical, and regulatory backing and was never formally invoiced.

An internal audit conducted by IOMA reportedly revealed that certain services billed by the hospital did not have formal entry into IOMA's records. The audit also identified charges based on a hospital-specific "Garrahan Nomenclator" that was never officially agreed upon by both parties. Additionally, instances of overbilling for medications, prosthetics, and procedures not covered by the insurance were detected.

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85% of what the national government claims as pending payment is undocumented.

The payment and audit findings come as the national government, led by Chief of Staff Manuel Adorni, continues to demand over 9 billion pesos from the provincial government for IOMA's alleged debts to Garrahan. The national government also announced the release of a documentary highlighting the hospital's challenges, including numerous strikes, titled "The Heroes of Garrahan."

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The heroes of Garrahan. 40 strikes. Hundreds of heroes. Thousands of children saved.