Tucumán Province Expands Mobile Healthcare Access with ‘Salud Más Cerca’ Initiative
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A new strategic plan aims to deepen equitable access to comprehensive healthcare throughout the Tucumán province, with a particular focus on women’s health and preventative care. The Ministry of Public Health of Tucumán, under the leadership of Dr. Luis Medina Ruiz, recently advanced planning for the “Salud Más Cerca 2026” program and the ongoing operations of specialized Women’s Trailers, aligning with public policies championed by Governor Osvaldo Jaldo.
Expanding Reach Through Mobile Clinics
A recent working meeting convened by the minister brought together key healthcare professionals, including Dr. Estela Esquivel, representative of the Provincial Breast Cancer Program, and Dr. Noelia Bottone, director of PRIS, alongside teams responsible for the logistical deployment of mobile medical units. The meeting focused on defining schedules, target areas, and resource allocation for the upcoming year’s operations.
“The continuity of the Salud Más Cerca megaoperation is paramount,” stated a senior official, emphasizing the critical role of the Women’s Trailer in delivering care across the province. The initiative seeks to bring essential medical services directly to communities, overcoming geographical barriers and ensuring broader access to care.
Prioritizing Preventative Care for Women
Dr. Esquivel underscored the importance of preventative healthcare, specifically urging women to prioritize regular gynecological check-ups. She highlighted that early detection of breast and cervical cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes. “Mammography saves lives,” she asserted, recommending that women between the ages of 40 and 70 undergo regular screenings, with those possessing a family history beginning controls at an earlier age. All services provided through the program are offered free of charge.
The province is also leveraging Pink Nodes – dedicated spaces within hospitals and community health centers (CAPS) – to provide gynecological consultations and follow-up care, reinforcing a commitment to territorial work and community engagement, as requested by the governor and minister.
Focus on Maternal Health and Chronic Disease Management
Dr. Bottone explained that the operational planning centered on organizing the deployment of the mobile units, identifying initial intervention points, and assessing human resource and logistical requirements. The initial phase will prioritize maternal and child health through the “Thousand Days Trailer,” alongside care for prevalent chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Following this, the Women’s Trailer will extend its reach to more remote areas of the province.
The meeting also included Dr. Marcelo Montoya, Secretary of Health; accountant Mariela Castillo; lawyer Alvarado; and personnel responsible for logistics and transportation, all collaborating to ensure the smooth functioning of the operations.
Authorities emphasized that these mobile units offer a comprehensive suite of services in a single location, including medical, dental, nutritional care, and laboratory studies. This integrated approach is expected to contribute to improved health indicators and a more accessible, preventative, and community-focused public health system. “
