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Argentina Faces Rising Barriers to Treatment for Childhood Digestive Disorders
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Access to crucial medicated milks, guaranteed by national law, is increasingly hampered by administrative delays and outright denials, leaving vulnerable infants at risk.
A growing number of Argentinian families are struggling to access vital medicated milks for thier children suffering from common digestive disorders, despite legal protections ensuring full coverage.The medicated Milks association reports that half of the claims it receives now relate to obstacles in treatment coverage, with diagnoses including colic, constipation, discomfort, and gastroesophageal reflux topping the list.
Legal Guarantee Hampered by Practical Challenges
National law 27,305 mandates 100% coverage for these medicated milks when prescribed by a physician, with no limitations on quantity or duration. However, families are routinely facing delays, denials, and bureaucratic hurdles when seeking to utilize this right.”The situation worsens when, with a precise medical indication, thay cannot access specific medicated milk for these disorders. Due to delays, delays or refusals on the part of their social or prepaid work,” explained Leandro Desplats, founder of the Medicated Milks association.
The association is actively providing support to affected families, offering assistance via Instagram (@leches.medicamentosas),through their website www.lechesmedicamentosas.com.ar, and by phone at +54 9 11 6554-3565.
Digestive Disorders Dominate Coverage Requests
Recent data from the Medicated Milks association reveals a clear trend in the types of conditions driving these coverage requests. Gastroesophageal reflux accounts for the largest proportion of diagnoses (53.6%), followed by food allergies (35.2%), prematurity (10.4%), and low weight (0.8%). This data underscores the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in early childhood.
These functional disorders – encompassing colic, abdominal discomfort, constipation, and regurgitation – while not indicative of structural disease, can substantially disrupt a child’s diet, sleep, and growth, impacting the entire family. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can be a lengthy and emotionally taxing process for parents.
While many cases are resolved through administrative appeals and the submission of proper documentation, some families are forced to pursue legal action. This adds further stress and delays access to essential care for infants. The association emphasizes that their role is to ensure families can exercise their legal rights and that healthcare providers and the state uphold the provisions of law No.27,305.
the association notes that while breastfeeding remains the preferred method of infant nutrition, medicated milks are a crucial therapeutic tool when recommended by a healthcare professional. These milks are intended to relieve symptoms, improve digestion, and support healthy growth, with no restrictions on quantity or a child’s age, provided a medical prescription is in place.
“We are receiving more and more inquiries from families who face unjustified delays or restrictions in the delivery of medicated milk,” a senior official stated. “Funders of the health system must comply with current regulations, because the health and well-being of children depends on it.”
The Medicated Milks association is urging healthcare funders to prioritize the timely and unrestricted access to medicated milks, ensuring that Argentinian children
