The National Medical Board has issued an urgent call to structurally reform the health system in Colombia and open exhaustive investigations into the irregularities detected in the Health Promotion Entities (EPS).
(Read: Colombian Patients demand urgent responses from the Government regarding the health crisis)
The concern arises after the disclosure of reports from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Administrator of Public Health Resources (Adres), that reveal serious inconsistencies in the financial statements of the EPS during the years 2023 and 2024.
These reports, prepared in the context of the debate on the increase of the Capitation Payment Unit (UPC) for 2025, show possible acts of corruption that compromise transparency and the appropriate use of public resources destined for health.
(See more: Financial crisis and access to health, a worrying panorama for the sector)
“It is unacceptable that charges have been made for the care of more than 23,000 deceased people, which represents an embezzlement of more than $79,000 million“, denounced the National Medical Board. In addition, a 63% increase in the number of affiliates and a 119% increase in the values executed in 2023 were reported, figures that do not match the installed capacity of the system.
Inconsistencies also encompass disproportionate increases in demand for services: more than 60% in medical consultations, close to 80% in radiological and laboratory services, and more than 100% in home services in just one year.
(Read also: Minsalud details the inconsistencies of the EPS for the calculation of the UPC)
These figures They raise suspicions of data manipulation and require a thorough investigation. Added to this is the failure to regulate drug prices in more than 2.5 million records, generating cost overruns of $138,000 million.
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Call to action and structural reform
Given this situation, the National Medical Board has urged the Congress of the Republic to open a broad and transparent debate that allows reform of the health system based on evidence and social justice. “It is urgent to leave behind the particular interests that have prevailed until now and prioritize the well-being of the population“said the entity.
(Read: Rasa Foundation, on the situation of the health system: ‘the Government does not listen to us’)
In addition, they request to accelerate forensic audits in all EPSs and initiate criminal investigations where serious irregularities are identified. They propose the creation of technical tables to rigorously review the information presented by the Government and the EPS, with the objective of guaranteeing transparency in the use of public resources.
The organization also questioned the insistence of certain sectors in promoting the increase in the UPC without technical studies to support it. “We cannot allow health to continue being seen as a business. It is a fundamental right that must be protected with integrity“, they emphasize.
(See more: Patients Colombia requests the Attorney General’s Office to protect the fundamental right of health)
Also, they called on citizens to demand responsibility and transparency in the management of resources allocated to health. The current crisis shows the need to strengthen primary care and solve the structural problems of definancing, disorder and corruption in the Colombian health system.
