Alert over potential collapse in prison healthcare: over 106,000 inmates could be at risk
More than 106,000 persons deprived of liberty could be exposed to serious risk in their healthcare, after the Ministry of Health's intention to reformulate the current model and transfer responsibility to Nueva EPS, an entity facing serious financial and operational difficulties, became known.
TL;DR
- Over 106,000 inmates are at risk of severe healthcare disruptions.
- The Ministry of Health plans to reformulate the current healthcare model for inmates.
- Responsibility for inmate healthcare is proposed to be transferred to Nueva EPS.
- Nueva EPS is described as an entity facing serious financial and operational difficulties.
- The current model, managed through the National Health Fund for the Incarcerated Population, has shown verifiable advances.
- The proposed changes reportedly lack sufficient technical, legal, and financial studies, and a transition plan.
- Existing contracts for health service provision are being terminated prematurely.
- The move is expected to cause service interruptions, operational disruptions, and potential state liability for rights violations.
- Control bodies (Contraloría and Procuraduría) have been asked for preventive intervention.