“A humanitarian tragedy” the crisis of patients and EPS: former minister Alejandro Gaviria
Patients of the EPS, particularly Nueva EPS, face a humanitarian crisis due to a lack of medicines, especially high-cost ones.
TL;DR
- Patients of EPS, particularly Nueva EPS, are facing a humanitarian crisis due to a lack of medications, especially high-cost ones.
- Affiliates endure long queues, starting as early as 1:00 AM, for the dispensary that opens at 8:00 AM, with many leaving without their prescribed treatments.
- Former Health Minister Alejandro Gaviria has labeled the situation a "humanitarian tragedy" and expressed indignation over the plight of patients, citing the case of a child with hemophilia who died waiting for medication.
- Gaviria criticizes the Petro government for allegedly minimizing the problem and using preliminary general figures to claim success in the health system, while patients, especially those with Nueva EPS, suffer.
- Gaviria previously warned about this situation in January 2023, stating that if health system obligations were neglected and a non-constructive reform was pursued, the current crisis would occur.
- The intervention of Nueva EPS has not resolved the medication shortage; patients report worse service after being transferred to a consolidated dispensary serving multiple EPS.
- The crisis puts the lives of patients dependent on vital treatments and specialized high-cost medications at risk.