The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) is facing a major crisis as it woke up in darkness this Tuesday due to a power outage. The decision to cut off electricity supply and limit the use of elevators was made after the institution received a million-dollar electricity bill that they cannot afford to pay due to budget constraints imposed by the government.
In response to the budgetary emergency, the Superior Council of the UBA has issued guidelines to all departments to manage the financial strain. As a result, the Faculty of Medicine has implemented austerity measures such as reducing lighting, limiting the use of electricity and elevators, and stopping outreach activities.
Videos of medical students navigating the dark hallways of the university with flashlights have gone viral on social media, highlighting the challenging conditions they are facing. The university community is on high alert as they struggle to keep the institution operational amidst a reduction in the operating expenses budget.
In an effort to protest against the lack of financial support from the government, the Faculty of Medicine has called for a “Solidarity Hug at the Hospital de Clínicas” and organized public classes outside the classrooms. The entire community is mobilizing for a university march on April 23 to defend the Argentine public university system.
With the future of the university at stake, students and faculty are demanding action to secure the future of education and healthcare in Argentina.