Are you an expat, digital nomad, or traveler seeking reliable healthcare in Buenos Aires? ExpatPathways has carefully compiled a list of the 10 Best Public Hospitals in Buenos Aires, ensuring that wherever you are in the city, top-notch medical care is within reach.
Whether you’re dealing with a sudden illness or seeking routine medical services, our guide provides invaluable insights into where you can find quality care.
With hospitals that excel in everything from emergency services to specialized treatments, discover which facilities are equipped to offer you the best medical support during your stay in Argentina’s bustling capital.
The Best Public Hospitals in Buenos Aires
1. Hospital de Clínicas
Location: Av. Córdoba 2351, Balvanera.
Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital of Argentina, is not only rich in culture and history but also boasts some of the top public healthcare facilities in the country.
Among them, the Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín stands out as a premier teaching hospital. Affiliated with the University of Buenos Aires, it is a critical center for medical education and healthcare services.
Located strategically at the boundary of Balvanera and Recoleta neighborhoods, it serves over 360,000 patients annually through consultations and more than 8,000 surgeries.
Recognized for its advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities, the hospital is equipped with 30 operating rooms, making it the most infrastructurally sophisticated public hospital for high-volume procedures in Buenos Aires.
It integrates a wide array of medical sciences, hosting 1,500 students from faculties including Medicine, Pharmacy, and Biochemistry, thus fostering a rich environment of learning and professional development.
2. Hospital Durand
Location: Av. Díaz Vélez 5044, Caballito.
Another key player in the public health sector is Hospital General de Agudos “Carlos G. Durand”, situated near the lush Parque Centenario in the Caballito neighborhood.
This high-complexity university hospital, also associated with the University of Buenos Aires, is housed in a modern building characteristic of the 1970s architectural style. Since its inauguration on April 28, 1913, it has expanded its services significantly, catering to a diverse patient demographic.
The hospital is particularly noted for its comprehensive service offerings in specialties like internal medicine, pediatrics, and oncology.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology such as a multislice Siemens Somatom 16-row CT scanner, it ensures high-standard diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
The Hospital Durand is praised for its exceptional patient care delivered by a dedicated team, highlighting its role as a cornerstone of public health in Buenos Aires.
3. Hospital Fernández
Location: Av. Cerviño 3356, Palermo.
Hospital General de Agudos Dr. Juan Antonio Fernández in Palermo is a beacon of medical excellence and historical significance in Buenos Aires.
Since its origins in 1889 as a dispensary for sexually transmitted diseases, it has evolved dramatically, officially renamed in 1904 after Dr. Juan Antonio Fernández, a revered figure in Argentine medical history.
Known for its comprehensive emergency services, intensive care, toxicology, infectious diseases, and orthopedics, the hospital is also a critical educational hub associated with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Buenos Aires.
Throughout its history, the hospital has undergone significant expansions and renovations, most notably between 1907 and 1910 and later in the 1930s and 1940s, enhancing its capacity and services to include more than 25 medical specialties by 1948, effectively doubling its ability to serve the community.
4. Hospital Rivadavia
Location: Av. Gral. Las Heras 2670, Recoleta.
Hospital Bernardino Rivadavia, located in the upscale neighborhood of Recoleta, holds the title of being one of the oldest and most prestigious public hospitals in Buenos Aires.
Founded in 1774 as “Hospital de Mujeres” and relocated in 1887, it has grown to encompass 18 pavilions offering a wide array of services including maternity, gynecology, pediatrics, obstetrics, clinical medicine, and more.
Rivadavia Hospital serves approximately 2,000 daily consultations, highlighting its significant impact on public health.
The hospital’s facilities also include specialized units for mental health, gerontology, and drug dependence, making it a comprehensive healthcare institution committed to providing free and public medical services to the community.
5. Hospital Ramos Mejía
Location: Gral. Urquiza 609, Balvanera.
Hospital General de Agudos Dr. José María Ramos Mejía, situated in the Balvanera neighborhood of Buenos Aires, offers a broad spectrum of medical services as part of the city’s robust public health system.
Established in 1868 as Lazareto San Roque, Ramos Mejía Hospital has grown into a cornerstone facility within a network of 33 hospitals, providing both primary care and specialized services for complex cases, including international patients.
As a teaching hospital associated with the University of Buenos Aires, it focuses heavily on medical education across various levels, from undergraduate to postgraduate studies, including highly regarded residency programs and training in health and nursing sciences.
The hospital encompasses a large area, effectively serving a significant population with its 427 beds and facilitating over 472,925 outpatient consultations and approximately 10,269 discharges annually.
6. Hospital Álvarez
Location: Aranguren 2701, Flores.
Hospital General de Agudos Teodoro Álvarez in the Flores neighborhood represents another pivotal institution in Buenos Aires’s public health landscape.
Originally founded in 1897 and renamed in 1901 after Teodoro Álvarez, this hospital has continuously expanded its facilities and services over the decades.
It operates as a general acute care hospital with a comprehensive range of medical specialties and a significant focus on mental health, offering specialized outpatient services and inpatient wards.
With facilities such as day hospitals for various patient groups, including those with addiction issues and children with autism, Álvarez Hospital integrates acute medical care with extensive mental health support.
Its educational programs in partnership with the University of Buenos Aires provide valuable training opportunities for medical students, particularly in psychiatric and psychological disciplines, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and emergency care.
7. Hospital Argerich
Location: Pi y Margall 750, La Boca.
Hospital General de Agudos Dr. Cosme Argerich, nestled in the historic neighborhood of La Boca, stands as one of Buenos Aires’ oldest and most vital public health institutions since its inception in 1897.
This hospital is renowned for its comprehensive range of services, with a particular emphasis on transplant medicine, including cardiac, renal, hepato-pancreatic, and liver transplants, making it a national reference center.
It originally served the growing population of the Riachuelo area and has significantly evolved to address the needs of its community with expanded facilities and services.
Today, it is positioned on Almirante Brown, continuing its legacy with a strong emphasis on free medical assistance and advanced training for medical students in various specialties.
8. Hospital Vélez Sarsfield
Location: Pedro Calderón de la Barca 1550, Villa Luro.
Hospital General de Agudos Dalmacio Vélez Sarsfield, also known as Hospital Vélez Sarsfield, located in the western metropolitan area of Buenos Aires, serves an estimated population of 150,000 across 858 blocks.
Founded in 1914, this hospital has grown into a major general acute care facility, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention. It offers a comprehensive range of services including a 24-hour emergency room, and specialized units for both child and adult mental health.
Vélez Sarsfield is particularly noted for its proactive community engagement and commitment to growth and development, ensuring that it meets the evolving health needs of its large service area.
9. Hospital Penna
Location: Pedro Chutro 3380, Nueva Pompeya.
Hospital General de Agudos “José M. Penna,” established in 1926 and originally named Nueva Pompeya, is deeply rooted in the historical and health landscape of Buenos Aires.
Located in the Parque Patricios area, this hospital has undergone substantial developments since its inception, notably with the addition of the main pavilion in 1945 which now houses key departments like tocogynecology, clinical medicine, orthopedics, urology, and intensive care.
In 2012, a significant upgrade was made to its emergency facilities, expanding the emergency ward’s capacity and enhancing its ability to handle urgent health crises.
Renowned for its comprehensive emergency services and a wide array of specialties, Hospital Penna stands as a pivotal health institution offering high-level medical care and specializing in multiple transplants, serving both the local community and patients from broader regions.
10. Hospital Pirovano
Location: Av. Monroe 3555, Coghlan.
Hospital General de Agudos “Dr. Ignacio Pirovano,” named after a distinguished Argentine surgeon, serves a vast area encompassing nearly 500,000 residents across neighborhoods like Belgrano, Coghlan, and parts of Palermo.
As a key healthcare provider in the northern zone of Buenos Aires, Hospital Pirovano offers an extensive range of medical specialties, catering to a diverse patient demographic.
The hospital’s facilities are designed to accommodate a large volume of patients efficiently, with services accessible from early morning, ensuring that all residents receive timely and effective medical attention.
Its commitment to community health and wide-reaching services make it an essential component of the public health system in Buenos Aires, dedicated to improving health outcomes and providing comprehensive medical services to its extensive catchment area.
Last considerations
When considering public hospitals in Buenos Aires, it’s important to recognize that while they serve all patients, identification is typically required to access services.
Due to their critical role in the community, these facilities often experience very long waiting lines, as their capacity can be overwhelmed by high demand.
Additionally, the quality of service at these hospitals can fluctuate due to ongoing changes in national and city budgets, impacting resources and the availability of sophisticated medical treatments.
However, despite these challenges, the medical staff at these institutions is among the most dedicated and skilled on the continent, committed to providing exceptional care under varying circumstances. For expats and travelers, understanding these dynamics is key to navigating the public healthcare system in Buenos Aires effectively.
(Featured Image Source: santiago Gonzalez/flickr.com)
