Researchers and fellows from CONICET Catamarca held a protest and distributed leaflets outside the regional office at 360 Prado Street, demanding answers over the deterioration of their working conditions and access to healthcare.
Their most urgent demand was the restoration of medical coverage. Workers said the health insurer suspended agreements with local medical and pharmaceutical associations months ago, leaving fellows without regular access to essential services.
Demonstrators also rejected the possibility of replacing the current solidarity-based system with healthcare vouchers. Their demands included restoring medical assistance and adopting measures that guarantee effective coverage for those carrying out scientific work in the province.
The healthcare crisis has been compounded by uncertainty caused by the suspension of permanent appointments. Protesters warned that nearly 400 postdoctoral researchers across the country could lose their jobs, threatening the continuity of teams, research programmes and accumulated scientific capabilities.
The demonstration in Catamarca was part of a federal day of action held at several CONICET offices. Other demands included year-end bonuses for fellows, salary increases, the continuation of support staff career competitions and an end to precarious employment.
Workers said the scientific system is facing a crisis defined by staff losses and weakened institutional structures. In Catamarca, the protest sought to highlight the direct effects of this situation on healthcare, employment and the continuity of public research.
