The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $500 million results-based loan to expand healthcare benefits for retirees and pensioners affiliated with Argentina’s National Institute of Social Services for Retirees and Pensioners, according to bank release. The operation, approved by the IDB Board of Executive Directors, aims to improve comprehensive care for chronic diseases, increase access to cancer treatment, expand coverage for long-term care needs, and enhance the overall service experience for affiliates.
The program will benefit nearly 5.4 million affiliates who receive comprehensive health coverage and social assistance through the Institute’s own health centers or services purchased from public or private entities. The National Institute provides care for retirees, pensioners, and their dependents across Argentina, making it one of the country’s largest health coverage systems for older adults.
Among the key outcomes, the operation aims to expand comprehensive coverage for hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease, reduce waiting times for breast and colon cancer surgeries, and increase access to long-term care for those who need it. The program will also promote the systematic use of information from institutional systems to guide government decision-making and improve service delivery.
The initiative comes as Argentina’s aging population puts increasing pressure on healthcare services, with chronic diseases and cancer treatment representing major challenges for the system. By focusing on measurable results, the loan aims to ensure that improvements reach the people who need them most while strengthening institutional capacity for future healthcare delivery.
The IDB loan has a 25-year repayment term, a 5.5-year grace period, and an interest rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate. This financing structure is designed to give Argentina flexibility while supporting long-term improvements in healthcare access and quality for retirees and pensioners.
