The Patients Colombia movement, which brings together 199 patient organizations throughout the country, has launched a call to the national government in the face of the financial and “humanitarian” crisis. that threatens the health of millions of Colombians.
(See: Rasa Foundation, on the situation of the health system: ‘the Government does not listen to us’)
The cause of this situation lies in what they consider to be an inadequate adjustment of the Capitation Payment Unit (UPC) and an insufficient allocation of Maximum Budgets. which puts the continuity of health services in Colombia at risk.
The movement considers it unacceptable that, instead of taking immediate and effective measures to correct deficiencies in the health systemthe Ministry of Health maintains an evasive position.
(Read: Patients Colombia requests the Attorney General’s Office to protect the fundamental right of health)
“Calculating the value of the UPC for 2025 based solely on the percentage of general inflation is a serious mistake that leaves patients once again in suspense“says Denis Silva, spokesperson for Patients Colombia. This decision, as indicated, does not address the true needs of the health system, nor the urgent demands of those who depend on it to survive.
Patient care rooms
PHOTO: Juan Pablo Rueda. EL TIEMPO Archive
Although dialogue spaces led by the Minister of Health, Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo, have been announced to review the calculations related to the UPC, the movement warns that these may not translate into concrete actions.
(See more: Government warns that fiscal reality limits a further increase in the UPC)
Silva criticizes the dialogue tables organized by the Ministry, considering them “sterile tables” that will not bring effective solutions to the sustainability crisis of the health system. The reason for this skepticism is that the responses to the needs of millions of patients are subject to the approval of a reforma decision that depends exclusively on the country’s legislative power.
“The tables that are being convened by the Minsalud with the different actors are sterile tables, they are not going to solve anything and no forceful measure will come from there that will confront the crisis of sustainability of the health of Colombians.”said Silva.
(Read also: President Petro refers to the irregularities in data presented by the EPS)
In this context, the spokesperson highlighted that the health system is being treated as an issue that can be resolved only through tax reform, without taking into account the immediate effects on patients.
Health
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The movement also raises a series of fundamental questions about the future of health in Colombia.
(See: Right to petition seeks to revoke resolution on UPC by 2025)
“As patients, we have many questions regarding the Government’s approach, and we expect concrete and urgent answers. If the tax reform is not approved, what will happen to people’s health and their access to treatments, procedures and medications? How can day-to-day problems be solved with a UPC that is 11% insufficient in January? And, have health workers and other actors already been called to consolidate the rate manuals with floors and ceilings and control resources?”Silva questioned.
Given the lack of clear answers, Patients Colombia has reiterated its request to the Constitutional Court to convene an urgent hearing with all actors in the health system and the declaration of an Unconstitutional State of Things. According to the movement, This measure is necessary to address the humanitarian crisis that the system is going through and protect the right to health of Colombians..
(Read more: Bad calculation by the UPC condemns health to start 2025 with a serious deficit)
