“Aterrador” is how some describe it. Here stands the Ex Sanatorio Domingo Faustino Sarmiento in Merlo. It’s a haunting reminder of a bygone era. Let’s delve into its history.
The Ex Sanatorio Domingo Faustino Sarmiento first opened its doors in 1928. It was a private institution. Its primary mission was to treat pulmonary tuberculosis. The sanatorio specifically catered to female teachers from across Argentina. These women often suffered from the disease. Some just showed early symptoms. Specialists provided care using the latest medical advancements.
Life inside the Ex Sanatorio Domingo Faustino Sarmiento was highly regimented. Patients followed strict schedules. This included waking times that varied between summer and winter. They had to maintain personal hygiene. They also had to make their beds meticulously. At night patients slept with open doors and windows. Only the guard’s light illuminated the darkness. In the mornings nurses checked temperatures. Those with a fever above 37.5°C remained in their rooms. Others lined up to take their temperature outside.
Meals were served by maids in the dining hall. Afterward patients strolled in the park. The park featured a garden and a chicken coop. Patients could read, write letters, or play board games. But they had to spend many hours sunbathing. Silence and leg rest were crucial for physical and mental recovery.
Tuberculosis was a major health crisis back then. It reached its peak in Argentina. Mortality rates soared between 230 and 300 per 100000 inhabitants. Existing treatments were largely ineffective. Isolation in specialized sanatoriums was the most common recommendation. Córdoba and Merlo were popular choices for these institutions.
The Ex Sanatorio Domingo Faustino Sarmiento had a strict set of rules. These rules ensured order and discipline. New patients were divided into three categories. These were patients needing complete rest, almost cured and clinically cured. Upon arrival, patients received a warm and hygienic bath. Personal care was a top priority.
The facility emphasized a healthy diet. Doctors meticulously tracked each patient’s progress. The director reviewed these records daily. He adjusted the diets to support their recovery.
Patients had to adhere to five strict rules or face expulsion. Spitting on the floor was strictly forbidden. Instead, spittoons with water and a glass were available. Patients always wore white dust coats. They could not wander the hallways or chat with other patients. Damaging the premises was also prohibited.
For unknown reasons the Ex Sanatorio Domingo Faustino Sarmiento closed in 1934. The fate of the patients remains a mystery. After its closure the building served as a battery storage facility. The building has been abandoned for many years. It has become a target for vandalism and theft.
Urban explorers describe eerie experiences within its walls. Some report feeling different temperatures in different rooms. Others mention unsettling smells. Some claim to sense anguish, sadness, and isolation. One explorer noted the imposing wrought-iron gates. They had vanished by his second visit. He also found personal items such as clothing and diapers. Evidence of macabre rituals was also present. These included dead animals and offerings.
Today the Ex Sanatorio Domingo Faustino Sarmiento stands as a ruin. Yet it still whispers stories of hope, discipline, and the fight against a deadly disease.