Health Workers Honored: 40+ Years of Service Recognized in Public System

The Minister of Public Health, Dr. Luis Medina Ruiz, led together with the Undersecretary of Health, Dr. Marcelo Montoya, an act of recognition for health personnel recently retired after more than four decades of service, an initiative that is carried out with the support of Governor Osvaldo Jaldo and that seeks to value the commitment, vocation and fundamental contribution of public health workers, especially those who fulfilled key functions at the first level of care and in contexts of high territorial complexity.

On the occasion, the director of the Western Programmatic Area, doctor Yolanda Breppehighlighted the value of a life dedicated to caring for the community. In that sense, he noted: “The fact that a worker has dedicated 40 years of his life to public health is already a very important milestone to recognize, even more so in the case of socio-health agents who have worked with such commitment in situations of contingency and adversity. They have a key role that they fulfilled in areas of difficult access, such as the Calchaquí Valleys, walking for hours to vaccinate, deliver medication, update censuses and accompany families.”

Likewise, when referring to the impact of the work carried out, Breppe highlighted the importance of the legacy left by these workers, pointing out that many of the actions that are implemented today in the Famaillá operational area and in the Calchaquí Valleys are based on the work, the imprint and the lessons they contributed, which are integrated into the new responsibilities and challenges of the system. In this sense, he also highlighted that socio-health agents play a key role as a gateway to the health system, bringing services closer to the territory and guaranteeing access to the first level of care.

In relation to the evolution of professional training, the official explained the training process sustained over the years. In this regard, he indicated: “They started 40 years ago as health agents and, starting in 2000, they were converted to socio-health agents, with training sessions and then with a three-year technical training, on which permanent training was incorporated, such as the most recent in mental health.”

From the voice of the protagonists, the supervisor of socio-health agents at the Famaillá Hospital, Simon Gramajoshared his experience after more than four decades of service. In that context, he related: “There were 41 years in which the system changed, we went from rural health to social and health agents, expanding benefits and covering a population of almost 42,000 inhabitants with a lot of effort.” In addition, he highlighted the daily sacrifice of the staff in permanent contact with the health and social problems of the community.

When referring to the recognition received, Gramajo expressed his surprise and expressed his gratitude, noting that he did not expect the distinction after having retired, although he especially valued the gesture and the fact of feeling remembered. In this framework, he highlighted the support provided by Martin Garridowhom he thanked in a particular way.

For her part, the supervisor of the Valles Calchaquíes Operational Area, Angelica Velardeemphasized the bond built with the community over the years. In this context, he noted: “What remains most for me from this task is having met all the families of the Valley, some 6,000 people, knowing who they are and what their needs are; that is the greatest pride. I wish that those who continue their work do so with commitment, love and responsibility.”

Also participating in the meeting were the neonatologist, emergency specialist and air evacuator, doctor Patricia Villagra; Martin Garrido; and the director of the Western Programmatic Area, Dr. Yolanda Breppe, accompanying a day full of recognition and emotion.