President Gustavo Petro met with the heads of the government coalition parties and agreed that “it is necessary to make changes in the Colombian health system“especially in that”primary care and the preventive health system should be prioritized“.
That being the case, he opened the door for them to bring proposals “to modify the articles that they consider should be modified” of the healthcare reform, declared the head of state.
(You might be interested in: Petro responds to the objections of his ministers about health reform).
This announcement comes amid controversy over whats high fiscal costs that the implementation of the health reform would have. Money that, according to a document presented by the Ministry of Finance and replicated by the president, would be in $9.04 trillion in 2024 alone.
(See: Álvaro Uribe proposes popular consultation for the health reform).
Of these, $5.49 trillion correspond to direct expenses, among which are the Primary Health Care Centers (CAP), the strengthening of the Public Network, infrastructure expenses, scholarships, information system and hospital sanitation. Added to this are $3.54 trillion of contingent expenses, which they refer to as infrastructure and capitalization expenses of Nueva EPS.
(See: $114 billion: healthcare reform would cost six tax reforms).
In summary, according to what was announced, for this reform to be carried out, it would take $114 billion in the next 10 years.
(See: A counter-reform to health?: initiative would be filed this Tuesday).
It is expected that the debate of this bill will begin in Congress so that the changes to the articles are developed.
(See: Health minister defends the reform: “fiscal impact is low”).
BRIEFCASE
