Salta Medical College proposes Expanded Roles for Residents to Address Healthcare Shortages
The Salta Medical College has proposed granting more authority to medical residents to perform low-risk surgeries as a solution to the province’s critical shortage of healthcare specialists. This was a key discussion point during a recent meeting between College leaders and provincial senators, convened to analyse Senator Alejandra Navarro‘s proposed Sanitary Emergency Law.
College representatives highlighted that 80% of surgeries performed in the province are low-risk, suggesting that properly trained residents could safely handle a portion of these procedures, maintaining quality of care.
Another proposed solution focused on allowing professionals in related specialties to perform functions typically handled by specialists in short supply, specifically mentioning the possibility of palliative care doctors or other physicians assisting with anesthesiology. While requiring regulatory adjustments, this could provide a rapid response to critical needs.
Alberto Robredo, President of the college of Physicians, detailed the rigorous Specialties Certification System, which includes five years of experience, a qualifying score, and a thorough theoretical-practical exam developed with university and scientific society participation. He noted the practical exam utilizes simulators to assess technical skills with standardized criteria.
The Senate meeting was led by the President of the Health Commission, Manuel, and included Senators Arnaldo Altamirano, Dani Nolasco, Leonor Minetti, and Alejandra Navarro.
The proposed law declares a three-year (extendable by two) health emergency, identifying critical specialties where staffing levels are insufficient to maintain full public health system functionality. It proposes increased budgetary and administrative flexibility to address personnel deficits, with the Ministry of Public Health serving as the implementing authority.
Provincial Control of Residency Quotas: Senator Navarro announced that, starting next year, the Nation will transfer the power to assign residency quotas to the provinces, allowing for training programs tailored to each jurisdiction’s specific needs. senator Pailler emphasized the severe lack of specialists in areas like anesthesiology, pediatrics, cardiology, general surgery, psychiatry, and psychology, particularly in the province’s interior, reinforcing the need for innovative solutions like those proposed by the College of Physicians.
Legislators concluded the meeting by agreeing to incorporate the College’s proposals into the draft law, accelerating its progress towards a final opinion.