The death of an anesthesiologist in Argentina revealed the alleged misuse of hospital medications and triggered an investigation of health professionals for suspected theft of drugs. Photo by Marta Branco/Pexels
The death of a young anesthesiologist in Buenos Aires this week exposed a potential scandal in Argentina’s health system. The case revealed the alleged misuse of hospital medications and triggered an investigation of health professionals for suspected theft of drugs.
According to initial hypotheses, these substances were redistributed and consumed at recreational parties known as “Propofest.” However, a new incident involving the theft of medications reported Thursday could expand the scope of the investigation.
As part of the investigation, Argentine authorities raided the headquarters of the main association of anesthesiologists in Buenos Aires. The objective was to gather records and documents to clarify the possible irregular distribution of drugs such as propofol and fentanyl at private gatherings without clinical supervision.
Investigators sought internal records and files to determine whether some professionals diverted medications from the hospital system for personal or recreational use.
According to Argentine newspaper Perfil, the organization’s lawyer said the association is not charged in the case, as it is acting as a complainant. He also said the institution committed to fully cooperate with the Justice system as the investigation moves forward.
The case dates to Feb. 20, when a 31-year-old doctor who worked at the Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital was found dead in his apartment in the Palermo neighborhood.
According to initial reports, no signs of forced entry into the home or clear indications of third-party presence were found. The doctor’s body had an intravenous line in the right foot and a catheter mark on the left, which suggested possible self-administration of substances.
Propofol and fentanyl, two powerful anesthetics for exclusive hospital use, were found at the scene.
Based on that finding, investigators traced the origin of the drugs to the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, a high-level private medical center known for its prestige, specialized care and medical expertise. Shortages of anesthetics were detected there, which led to the opening of an internal investigation.
As a result, two anesthesiologists were charged: a physician with extensive experience and a third-year resident. Both are under suspicion of having stolen and distributed the medications outside the hospital setting, although the judicial process remains at an early stage.
Also, new lines of investigation emerged from WhatsApp audio messages that began to circulate.
According to these accounts, the anesthetics were used at private parties known as “controlled trips” or “Propofests” — clandestine gatherings at which the substances were offered for recreational and sexual use.
According to news outlet Infobae, attendees paid to experience states of deep relaxation under the supervision of a “controller.” This person was tasked with intervening in case of emergency.
During these gatherings, participants administered the drugs intravenously, while other doctors monitored possible complications, such as breathing difficulties.
“This practice generates a state between deep sleep and being awake with a certain euphoria,” Carlos Damin, director of the Fernández Hospital and toxicologist, explained on LN+. He stressed that propofol produces a particular effect on the body, and that its administration requires millimetric precision.
He also sad these drugs are subject to strict controls within hospitals.
“In my hospital, the ampoules that leave, that go to the operating room or intensive care, must be returned broken. This has been the case for 30 years. They have always been very controlled substances,” Damin said.
Investigators are trying to determine of an organized structure to divert medications existed. They also want to establish whether institutions such as the Italian Hospital or the anesthesiologists’ association had prior knowledge of these practices.
For now, crimes such as theft of medications and fraudulent administration are being investigated. However, prosecutors did not rule out new charges if the existence of a broader network dedicated to misusing anesthetics outside the hospital setting is confirmed.
The investigation could reveal a deeper problem within certain sectors of anesthesiology in Argentina. On Thursday, the Municipal Hospital of Bahía Blanca reported the disappearance of about 25 ampoules of fentanyl.
According to Infobae, the shortage was detected in the central operating room area, where the substance is stored for various medical procedures. Signs indicated forced access to the area.
