Colombian Government's Healthcare Plan Faces Backlash Amid Crisis

The Colombian government's healthcare plan is under fire, accused of attempting to dismantle private healthcare providers (EPS) and centralize patients in Nueva EPS. This controversy is unfolding against a backdrop of shortages, debts, and bureaucratic inefficiencies that impact millions, particularly the poor.

The crisis is evident in places like the Foscal Clinic in Santander, where emergency services are overwhelmed with a 270% occupancy rate. With 194 patients being attended to, many are left in chairs or on the floor because of a lack of available beds. The clinic attributes this chaos to the partial closure of other healthcare providers, including University Hospital Los Comuneros, which has stopped attending to subsidized patients.

Senator David Luna has been vocal in blaming President Gustavo Petro for the crisis, accusing him of seeking to bankrupt private healthcare providers to establish a public healthcare system. Luna stated, 'El capricho del presidente petrogustavo de quebrar a las EPS para obligarnos a tener un sistema público de salud, afecta a miles de pacientes, clínicas, médicos y enfermeras.'

Why this matters: The healthcare crisis in Colombia has significant implications for the country's economy and social stability. If left unaddressed, it could lead to a further deterioration of the healthcare system, exacerbating poverty and inequality.

President Petro, however, argues that the closures of hospitals and clinics are a result of private healthcare providers not transferring the necessary resources. The government's healthcare reform, which aims to change the role of EPS and have the Administrator of Resources of the General System of Social Security in Health manage resources directly, was rejected by the Senate in April 2024.

Senator Luna countered that part of the healthcare budget has not been used as intended and that the government has failed to pay pending services to healthcare providers, affecting healthcare professionals. He remarked, 'Señor presidente, el que gobierna es usted. Dígale la verdad a los colombianos: usted y su Ministro de Salud desfinanciaron en más de 10 billones de pesos los recursos de la salud de 2024 para usarlos en burocracia y mermelada.'

The financial crisis in Colombia's healthcare system is severe, with a deficit of 9.6 trillion pesos as valued by the National Association of Financial Institutions (Anif). The National Health Superintendence intervened in two major promoting entities, Nueva EPS and Sanitas, in April 2023. These entities, along with Sura, account for 42% of Colombians in the health system.

The crisis has been attributed to several factors, including poor calculation of the Capitation Payment Unit (UPC), insufficient resources, an excessive increase in the frequency of uses by citizens, overdue debts from the State to the system, technological pressure, inflation, and exchange rate volatility. The financial gap created by these issues threatens the stability of the healthcare system.

Ana María Vesga, President of Acemi, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that despite dialogue with the government, no concrete action has been taken to correct the direction of the system. The risk of a domino effect threatens, with more EPS potentially being intervened by the State.

The ongoing healthcare crisis in Colombia highlights the urgent need for effective reforms and transparent management to ensure that millions of citizens, especially the most vulnerable, receive the care they need.

Key Takeaways

• Colombia's healthcare system is in crisis, with shortages, debts, and inefficiencies affecting millions.
• Private healthcare providers (EPS) are accused of being dismantled to centralize patients in Nueva EPS.
• Senator David Luna blames President Gustavo Petro for the crisis, seeking to establish a public healthcare system.
• The financial crisis is severe, with a 9.6 trillion peso deficit and unpaid services to healthcare providers.
• Effective reforms and transparent management are urgently needed to ensure care for vulnerable citizens.