What would you do if you were told that the funds meant to save lives are at a crossroads? The healthcare sector is facing one of the biggest financial crises in history. While hospitals, patients, and healthcare professionals struggle with limited resources, the funds that should be securing medical care are being redirected elsewhere. The question is: how much longer can the system hold?
The Shocking Revelation
In a recent political oversight debate, Senator Norma Hurtado exposed a staggering truth: Colombia’s healthcare system faces a 2.8 trillion-pesos deficit for this year alone. Why? Because the government has opted to divert crucial funds to other programs that, while important, are leaving thousands of patients waiting for advanced surgeries and treatments for severe illnesses.
The Ghost Infrastructure: Billions Invested, But No Visible Results
While public hospitals desperately plead for funding, the Ministry of Health claims to have invested 1 trillion pesos in building 44 hospitals. But do you know how many are actually operational? Almost none! Most of these projects haven’t even started, with an execution rate of less than 12%—despite contracts being approved over a year ago! Where is this money, and who will be held accountable?
Former Health Minister Alejandro Gaviria, known for his critical stance, also voiced his concerns. “They are approving projects carelessly,” he warned, highlighting the risk of “white elephants”: expensive hospital infrastructures that never fully function. With warnings like these, it’s no surprise that trust in healthcare fund management is at an all-time low.
What Does This Mean for Millions of Patients?
Many Colombians are getting closer to having to pay out of pocket for basic healthcare—if they aren’t already. This massive deficit also affects every patient in need of medical attention, especially those with chronic or complex conditions. With healthcare expenses spiraling out of control, it’s only a matter of time before the system collapses unless swift action is taken.
The Big Question: Healthcare or Politics?
Analysts agree that healthcare funds are being used as political leverage, with severe consequences. By spending more than they collect, Health Promotion Entities (EPS) are accumulating historic levels of debt, losing their ability to meet the rising demand for services. With a 116% claims rate, EPSs are spending 116 pesos for every 100 pesos received—something they cannot sustain much longer.
The system is on the verge of collapse! Errors in the Capitation Payment Unit (UPC) and fund mismanagement have pushed the system to its limits. Doctors without resources, patients without care, and neglected rural areas are just the beginning of a storm that is about to break.
What Will Happen Next?
With the national budget already approved, the outlook for next year is not promising. EPSs and hospitals have made it clear: without a significant adjustment to UPC funding, debts will continue to grow, and healthcare services will suffer even more. If the government fails to take action, the consequences could be irreversible.
Now is the time to demand that healthcare funds be managed transparently and responsibly!
At Coco Tecnologías, we believe in a fair and sustainable healthcare system. That’s why we work to strengthen digital processes that connect institutions, professionals, and patients, providing technological solutions that make a difference. Our commitment is to support Colombia’s healthcare system in its transformation, creating more efficient and human-centered access for everyone.
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