A group of former ministers and vice-ministers of Health have expressed its deep concern at the recent presentation of a new proposal to reform the General Health Social Security System (SGSSS).
(Read: National Government resubmits the health reform project)
Despite the adjustments introduced in the project, The changes are insufficient to effectively address critical issues affecting the sustainability and equity of the system.which puts the right to health of millions of Colombians at risk.
In a letter sent to the Minister of Health, Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo, on September 12, the former officials outlined several key concerns regarding the draft bill.
(See more: Ordinary or statutory? The paths contemplated for the processing of health reform)
According to the actors, The proposal lacks a detailed plan for its implementation, that includes specific goals, timelines and necessary resources. This raises questions about its viability and the real impact it will have on the system.
In addition, There is concern that the reform could backtrack on the guarantee of rights already acquired by citizens. Furthermore, the project does not ensure the preservation of advances in access to and protection of health.
They say the reform does not adequately address the structural financial crisis facing the system. “The transitional articles do not present a clear path to protect users from possible increases in access barriers to health services.”
(See also: Analysis: Is Colombia’s health system in ‘intensive care’?)
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On the other hand, they mention that the proposal to eliminate individual health insurance in favor of a national system without defined responsible parties could lead to fragmentation and loss of continuity of care.
(Read also: How the health market is preparing for the changes that a reform of the system would bring)
The former ministers stress the need for the reform to be based on technical evidence and to have the active participation of all actors in the system, including users, who are the main holders of the right to health.
Although they agree on the importance of strengthening primary care and improving the distribution of human talent in health, remain concerned about the long-term sustainability of the system.
(See: What is the Primary Health Care Account proposed by the Government in its new reform?)
Finally, The former officials have asked the government to create an inclusive technical table to review the proposal and ensure that the reform adequately responds to the real needs of citizens, guaranteeing the financial stability of the SGSSS.
