President Macri Doesn't Want Argentina's Poor to Smile

The government of Mauricio Macri has eliminated a free dental health program called “Argentina Smiles” that aimed to ensure universal access to dental care, claiming it does not treat enough people.

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According to Health Minister Jorge Lemus, the government is closing the program because it "failed to comply with public health policies established at the time of its creation, and was not directed to vulnerable sectors of the population, having been developed in provinces with a low rate of oral infections and high health coverage."

Lawmaker Graciela Ocaña from Buenos Aires denounced the supposed diversion of funds from the program, allegations which have been taken to a federal court and now await a decision on whether they require further investigation.

Argentina Smiles featured 30 buses that traveled around the country offering free dental hygiene and health care to prevent disease and provide care to those living in some of the poorest areas of Argentina.

The program was created in December 2014 under the leftist government of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, and had an initial investment of US$170 billion.

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“We calculated the program would be able to take on more than 2 million procedures including cleanings, fixing cavities, root canal treatments, dental extractions and scanner and prosthesis,” Fernandez de Kirchner said during the inauguration ceremony of the program in 2014.

“That’s why it's called 'Argentina Smiles' so the poor of this country who are missing teeth can smile with dignity,” said Kirchner.

The cancellation of the program was published Friday in the Official Gazette, and was justified by the current government due to technical issues. It will become official after 24 hours.