Hospice Buen Samaritano, the quiet revolution of dignified palliative care

Editorial Team SDG3
6 days ago
3 min read

Access to palliative care remains one of the most unevenly distributed components of modern healthcare. Across Latin America, thousands of people with terminal illness face their final months without adequate pain relief, emotional support or a safe place to be accompanied. In this context, the work of Hospice Buen Samaritano in Pilar stands out as a sustained and quietly transformative response to deep social and economic vulnerability.

Founded as a non profit civil association, the hospice addresses a structural gap in care, supporting individuals who would otherwise navigate terminal illness alone or within overstretched hospital systems. Its approach places dignity, presence and quality of life at the centre, principles increasingly recognised as essential to fair and sustainable health systems.

A home not a hospital

At the core of the organisation’s work is its Hospice Home model, a small residence in Pilar designed to feel domestic rather than clinical. The house includes a living room, garden, chapel and multi purpose space, and can host up to six guests simultaneously. Patients are known by name rather than diagnosis, daily routines are personalised and families are welcomed as part of the environment.

Research across community based palliative care models suggests that home like settings contribute to improved symptom management and emotional wellbeing. Studies in comparable contexts indicate reductions of up to 25 to 30 percent in unmanaged pain and anxiety when end of life care is delivered in non institutional environments.

Care without cost in a context of inequality

All services provided by Hospice Buen Samaritano are completely free of charge, whether delivered within the hospice home, through hospital accompaniment or via home visits. In Argentina’s current economic landscape, where inflation and income instability continue to affect access to healthcare, this model removes financial barriers at one of life’s most vulnerable moments.

The hospice is funded exclusively through donations from individuals and organisations. While this requires continuous community engagement, it also preserves operational independence and ensures that care decisions are guided solely by patient needs rather than financial constraints.

Volunteers as a pillar of sustainability

A network of more than 120 volunteers supports the hospice’s daily activities. Some are trained to provide direct companionship, offering presence, listening and human connection to guests. Others contribute through administrative work, fundraising and organisational management. This volunteer structure operates alongside a professional team of doctors and nurses specialised in palliative care.

Evidence from health policy research shows that volunteer integrated care models can extend service reach by up to 40 percent in underserved populations, while also strengthening social cohesion and civic responsibility.

Living with dignity until the last moment

The hospice’s philosophy is summed up in a simple but powerful idea. It does not accompany people to die, but to live with dignity until the very last moment. Care focuses not only on physical pain relief, but also on emotional and spiritual suffering, recognising the person beyond the illness.

This holistic vision aligns with the spirit of Sustainable Development Goal 3, which emphasises wellbeing for all at every stage of life, including its final phase.

How society can engage

Hospice Buen Samaritano encourages public involvement through volunteering and donations. Those interested can attend informal informational breakfasts to learn about the organisation’s mission and values. Sustaining free end of life care depends on collective responsibility, reinforcing the idea that dignity at life’s end is a shared social commitment rather than a private concern.