Claudio Belocopitt’s Healthcare Empire: Controversial Decisions and Concentration Concerns

Claudio Belocopitt, the owner of Swiss Medical and former president of the Argentine Health Union (UAS), faced criticism over increases in prepaid fees and his departure from the chamber that brings together the main private medicine companies. In response to these challenges, Belocopitt decided to give up buying Medicus, but he kept the rest of the shares needed to complete the total ownership of Sanatorium The Lomas de San Isidro, which he already owned 30% of and later acquired 50%.

The Medicus operation, which began in 2022 with negotiations with founder Jorge Aufiero and involved an estimated disbursement of US$ 23 million, came under scrutiny by the Defense of Competition (CNDC). The CNDC is investigating the concentration of Swiss Medical through the acquisition of Medicus, as it could lead to a dominant market position. Despite initially having ownership stakes in both Medicus and San Isidro health center, Belocopitt decided to keep 100% of Medicus and part ways with the 50% ownership of San Isidro health center. Despite having ownership stakes in both, he did not intervene in the day-to-day management of either.

In addition to facing criticism for receiving subsidies during the pandemic through ATP and Repro mechanisms totaling US$13 million, Belocopitt also faced scrutiny from CNDC over concentration concerns about Swiss Medical. However, despite these challenges, Swiss Medical remains one of Argentina’s largest prepaid companies behind Osde with over 1 million members.

Belocopitt’s business portfolio includes other healthcare institutions such as Cardiovascular Institute Buenos Aires (ICBA), Sanatorio Las Lomas Agote y Los Arcos clinics Zabala y Olivos clinics pediatric centers Neuquén y Salta. He recently acquired remaining 50% stake Las Lomas and plans to offer Swiss Medical services there until completion a new health center being built Nordelta.