health
April 28, 2026
The health crisis in Colombia is now spreading to the emergency network
Hospitals in Bogotá Photo: Source: Mayor's Office of Bogotá - Official Page
TL;DR
- Emergency rooms in Colombian hospitals are operating at an average of 300% capacity, far exceeding their intended limits.
- Patients are increasingly using emergency services for non-emergency and chronic conditions due to difficulties accessing outpatient care and delayed appointments.
- This trend is causing significant financial burdens on the health system, as emergency care is substantially more expensive than outpatient treatment.
- Overcrowding in emergency rooms leads to longer patient stays, operational inefficiencies, and increased wear on healthcare personnel.
- The crisis is exacerbated by financial instability within the health sector, including issues with intervened EPS (Entidades Promotoras de Salud).