Strong warning from the Argentine Society of Pediatrics for the outbreak of bronchiolitis

This week, the Ministry of Health of the Nation recognized an increase in circulation of the respiratory syncytial virus and an increase in hospitalizations for bronchiolitis, when this seasonal peak usually occurs at the end of June.

The outbreak of bronchiolitis that is registered in a large part of the country generated an increase in consultations for respiratory infections and also in pediatric hospitalizations.

Between 60% and 70% percent of pediatric consultations today in all health centers in the country are for bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus.

Given the delicate epidemiological situation due to the increase in respiratory infections that is affecting children and adolescents, the Argentine Society of Pediatrics issued a statement in the last hours in which they warned that, although these health workers are carrying out their task with dedication, they do so in difficult working conditions due to “the postponement of legitimate claims.”

“We are in a difficult scenario for the professional practice of pediatrics. There are unacceptable working conditions, a high workload, job instability, lack of stimulus for growth, situations of violence, low pay, the need to moonlight to make ends meet, and a lack of opportunities to update in the profession,” he explained. the entity that brings together pediatricians in the country.

“Today being part of the health system, particularly in the care sector, is quite exhausting both in the field of public health and in private medicine,” stressed the Argentine Society of Pediatrics and highlighted not only the increase in demand, but also In addition, the decrease in human resources in the health team, deficiencies in equipment and infrastructure, and the “lack of time to adequately examine patients,” among other difficulties.

And they warned: “If we bet on a serious country, it is necessary that the State and all of society, including all the institutions that are part of it, worry about medical professional development, both for their training and for the working conditions to which Those who work to care for the health of all are subjected.”

“Protecting the health of children and adolescents by facilitating their access to pediatric care in conditions of equity and quality requires public policies oriented in this regard, which prioritize professional training and the conditions in which the profession is practiced,” they stated in the report. release.

The entity also dedicated a paragraph to highlight the task of the “thousands of pediatricians who anonymously honor their profession.” But he also urged the authorities to convene a dialogue table, in order to find a response that considers an adequate solution to this “situation of work overload for pediatricians and obstacles to timely care for patients.”