Intercultural Health Practices? Indigenous Health Agents in Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña, Chaco Province

Abstract

In this study, we analyze the representations held by indigenous Qom health agents regarding their role and work alongside (non-indigenous) criollo healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, nursing assistants, and social workers) in two Primary Health Care Centers (CAPS) located in peripheral neighborhoods of Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña, in the province of Chaco. Between late 2019 and mid-2023, we carried out field visits to the city, where we conducted participant observations and semi-structured interviews with the staff of the aforementioned CAPS. These activities not only allowed us to understand the operational dynamics of these centers and their connection with the city’s only hospital but also to grasp the significance of the tasks performed by Qom health agents. Their work has facilitated the engagement of criollo healthcare workers with their indigenous communities, thereby fostering the indigenous patients’ adherence to the biomedical treatments provided by these professionals. Finally, we critically examine the prevailing concept that defines indigenous health agents as "intercultural facilitators” in Latin American research and national programs. In order to do so, we review the underlying concept of interculturality with a critical approach and pose questions that open up potential lines for future research.