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Former Argentine Health Minister Ginés González García Passes Away at 79

Former Argentine Health Minister Ginés González García, a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape, has tragically passed away at the age of 79. His family shared the heartbreaking news on social media, revealing that he died in a Buenos Aires hospital where he was undergoing treatment for cancer.

González García’s career spanned several decades, with notable roles including serving as national health minister from 2002 to 2007 and later as ambassador to Chile during Cristina Kirchner’s presidency. However, his final tenure as health minister under the Alberto Fernández administration was marred by controversy surrounding allegations of favoritism in the distribution of COVID vaccines.

A federal court recently confirmed García’s indictment in an investigation into whether he had provided “privileged access” to the vaccine for friends and relatives during the early stages of the vaccine rollout. The scandal, dubbed the “VIP Vaccinatorium,” gained widespread attention after journalist Horacio Verbitsky revealed his involvement as one of the beneficiaries.

Throughout his career, González García was known for his dedication to public health initiatives, including launching the Remedy Plan to provide free access to medications and promoting sex education programs. His outspoken support for legal abortion also garnered both praise and criticism, with the Catholic Church condemning his advocacy for reproductive rights.

González García’s passing marks the end of a chapter in Argentina’s healthcare system, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy for accessible healthcare and reproductive rights. His contributions to public health will be remembered by many, despite the controversies that clouded his final years in office.

Who was Ginés González García?

Ginés González García, the former Argentine Health Minister, passed away on Friday at the age of 79. According to reports, he died in a Buenos Aires hospital where he was undergoing treatment for cancer. García had a long and distinguished career in public service, serving as the national health minister from 2002 to 2007, and later as the ambassador to Chile during Cristina Kirchner’s presidency from 2007 to 2015.

What was the controversy surrounding his final tenure as health minister?

García’s final term as health minister, during the Alberto Fernández administration from 2019 to 2021, was marred by a scandal. Accusations arose that he had allowed his friends and relatives to receive early access to COVID vaccines. This scandal, known as the “VIP Vaccinatorium,” came to light after journalist Horacio Verbitsky revealed in an interview that he had benefited from the alleged scheme.

Where did Ginés González García begin his career in public health?

Born in 1945 in Buenos Aires Province, García graduated from the National University of Córdoba’s medical school in 1967. While he trained as a surgeon, he chose to pursue a career in public health management. He held various positions in Salta, La Rioja, and Buenos Aires, eventually becoming the health minister of Buenos Aires Province in 1988 under Governor Antonio Cafiero.

What were some of his notable achievements as health minister?

During his tenure as national health minister from 2002 to 2007, García launched the Remedy Plan, which aimed to provide free access to medications for 80% of conditions treated in primary care. Additionally, he implemented sex education programs that included the distribution of birth control pills and condoms. In 2007, the ministry published a booklet on accessing abortions in cases where it was legal at the time, such as instances of rape.

How did Ginés González García’s views on abortion impact his career?

García was a vocal advocate for legal abortion long before it was legalized in Argentina in 2020. His stance on the issue drew criticism from the Catholic Church, with Bishop Antonio Baseotto going as far as to say that García deserved to be “thrown out to sea with a rock tied to his neck.” Despite the backlash, García continued to push for the legalization of abortion, and his efforts paid off when Argentina’s Congress passed the law on December 30, 2020.

Sources:
Buenos Aires Herald