The Colombian Association of Scientific Societies (ACSC), which brings together nearly 50,000 medical specialists and the country’s Human Talent in Health (THS), expressed its discomfort at the development of the legislative debate around bill 312 of 2024, that seeks to reform the health system in Colombia.
(Read: Chamber has already discussed 36% of the health reform project: this is how the debate progresses)
The discussion of the articles began on November 12, and the union warns about the negative implications for workers in the sector. For this, They question the treatment that has been given to Human Talent in Health during the process, pointing out that it has been used as a “workhorse” both by the National Government and by the sectors for and against the reform.
However, despite the apparent defense of health personnel, the articles approved so far do not reflect this concern. In particular, articles 45, 46 and 47 of the bill have come under criticism.
(See also: Key week in Congress for two of the seven Government reforms)
Article 45 regulates hiring in state health institutions, while article 46 proposes a special regime for public sector workers. However, Article 47 maintains the private regime under the guidelines of the Substantive Labor Code, which in the opinion of the ACSC represents a contradiction and perpetuates the current precarious working conditions.
For the ACSC, the approved regulations do not bring significant changes in the hiring of health personnel, a situation they consider critical. “Abuses, illegal intermediation, leonine contracts and delayed payments of up to eight months will continue.“denounced the union, emphasizing that workers will continue to face humiliation and violations of their rights.
(Read: The changes brought by the presentation of health reform 2.0 filed in Congress)
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He recalled that, for some time, he has advocated for a special regime that recognizes the preparation and effort of Human Talent in Health, both in the public and private sectors. However, They state that promises of real changes are not being fulfilled and, as has happened in previous reforms, “we are the scapegoat of this health system.”
(See: Technical tables on health reform end: conclusions from the actors in the sector)
The ACSC called on congressmen so that the decisions made reflect their public statements and translate into a tangible improvement for workers in the sector. “You cannot think of a good health system when the rights of those who provide it are unknown.“said the organization.
Furthermore, they urged Human Talent in Health to remain alert during the legislative process to demand that the reforms guarantee an improvement in the service for patients and decent working conditions for professionals in the sector.
(Read more: After technical table, health sector actors call for consensus on the reform)
“We are willing to continue fighting and we will fight until our rights are recognized“concluded the ACSC, reiterating its commitment to defending workers and advocating for a fair and equitable health system.
