Who is Mario Lugones, the new Minister of Health of the Government

A new change occurred in the Cabinet of Javier Milei’s government. On Thursday night, Mario Russo left his position as Minister of Health and will be replaced by Mario Lugones, a cardiologist with extensive experience in the private medicine sector, where his trajectory by the Güemes Sanatorium.

Who is Mario Lugones, the new Minister of Health of Javier Milei

Mario Iván Lugones was born on July 28, 1947. Graduated in 1972 from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA)with a specialization in cardiology, Lugones built over the years an outstanding career in the field of medicine, both in public management as in private medicine.

He obtained his specialization in cardiology at the University of Salvador in 1976. Furthermore, in 2011, the doctor expanded his training and obtained the title of Medical specialist in Public Health, once again at the UBA.

His career began in Dr. Cosme Argerich Hospital, where he worked as a concurrent physician in the cardiology area for 4 years. At the end of his stay at the institution, Lugones assumed more responsibilities in the Coronary Unit.

One of the highest points of his journey as a doctor is marked by his time in the Güemes Sanatorium. The doctor arrived there in 1972 and held numerous positions until 1981, including Head of Guard and Head of Clinicalso from the Coronary Unit.

It was in the year 2000 that the new Minister of Health founded and presided over the Sanatorio Güemes Foundation. There, the cardiologist focused on the medical teaching and clinical researchsomething that was highlighted by the Government in its official designation.

Among other institutions, Lugones’ journey saw him collaborate with the Malvinas Sanatorium, the Wood Workers’ Union Polyclinic, the Favaloro Foundation, the National Institute of Social Services for Retirees and Pensioners (INSSJP/PAMI) and the Anchorena Sanatorium.

Lugones was already linked to the government of Javier Milei, to which he has been an advisor on health issues since the first days, having participated in various cabinet meetings without having an official designation. Finally, the cardiologist was made official as the new Minister as of this Thursday night.

The departure of Mario Russo

The entry into the Lugones Government occurred after the departure of the now former Minister of Health of the Nation, Mario Russowho presented his resignation from his position tonight, marking a new departure of an official from the structure of Javier Milei’s government. His administration was crossed mainly by criticism of his handling of the historic dengue outbreak and by numerous complaints regarding cuts in medicines for oncology patients.

As far as he could know Scopethe head of the health portfolio presented his resignation to charge for personal issuesafter almost ten months at the head of the Ministry, during which time he received strong support from the President regarding his performance.

“The Ministry of Health of the Nation informs that the Dr. Mario Russo presented today his resignation from the position of Ministerwith which he was honored by the President of the Nation Javier Milei since last December 10,” the ministry reported tonight, in an official statement published on its X account.

As official sources informed this medium, Health confirmed that Russo’s decision is mainly linked to “strictly personal reasons.” The official statement concluded: “Russo thanked the President of the Nation, the Secretary General Karina Milei, the Chief of Staff Guillermo Francos and all the Ministers of the National Cabinet for the opportunity to be part of the Government, in the task of reorganizing the health system for the benefit of all Argentines“.