The recent presentation of the health reform project by the Government, in a second attempt, has sparked a wave of criticism for its lack of transparency and consultation with key players in the sector.
(See: Fiscal problems took their toll on health reform)
The Colombian Association of Scientific Societies (ACSC), which represents more than 70 medical specialties in the country, expressed its concern about the “closed-door” process which has characterized the implementation of the reform.
Agamenón Quintero, president of the ACSC, criticized the lack of dialogue in the preparation of the proposal.It is a recurring episode“he said, also recalling, the recent statement from the ACSC and the Colombian Society of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (SCARE) dated August 28.
(Read more: Were health sector stakeholders taken into account in the new reform?)
The statement highlighted that, despite multiple meetings with the Ministry of Health, There remain important differences that must be addressed during the legislative process.
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Quintero too He expressed concern about the proposal to strengthen the public health system when 80% of services in the country are provided by private entities. “The government’s proposal seems disconnected from the reality of the health system in Colombia,” he said.
(Read: Former ministers and vice ministers of health reaffirm concerns about the reform)
A preliminary review of the project by the association reveals deficiencies in terms of financing and clarity regarding the monitoring and control of resources. It notes that Although the project includes commitments to settle existing debts, it does not establish guarantees to ensure compliance with these payments.
The article has also been criticized for its lack of concrete measures to address the State’s historical debt with human talent in health. Although a special regime for health workers is proposed in article 40, The proposal omits the necessary participation of associations such as the ACSC.
(See more: Adres suspends transfers of more than $70,000 million to allegedly non-existent IPS)
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Quintero emphasized that the presentation of the project without a broad consensus and without considering the proposals of crucial sectors, such as human talent in health, reflects a lack of commitment to the quality of the health system.
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“The best alternative is to strengthen Statutory Law 1751 of 2015, which regulates the fundamental right to health and which can be regulated through ordinary laws and with the participation of all actors.“, concluded the union leader.
