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Argentina Disbands Disability Agency, Moves Its Duties to Health Ministry After Audit Scandal

Officials pledge uninterrupted pensions with permanent audits; Judge Sebastián Casanello’s inquiry continues.

Overview

  • Chief of Cabinet Manuel Adorni announced the dissolution of ANDIS and the transfer of all responsibilities to the national Health Ministry led by Mario Lugones.
  • The government cited audits and leaked audios tied to ex-ANDIS head Diego Spagnuolo, detailing irregularities such as pensions paid after beneficiaries’ deaths, undocumented approvals, and billed services not delivered, including the Fundación METAS case.
  • Sixteen political posts will be eliminated, a 45.7% cut to the agency’s hierarchy, with assurances of file traceability, continuous audits, and decisions guided by sanitary criteria.
  • Alejandro Vilches, who served as ANDIS interventor, is expected to head a new secretariat within the Health Ministry, according to officials.
  • Opposition lawmakers call the move a cover-up linked to alleged kickbacks referenced in leaked audios and are advancing congressional challenges, while prosecutors seek additional statements in the ongoing federal probe overseen by Judge Casanello; the government maintains benefits will continue with stricter enforcement of existing eligibility rules.