The Superintendency of Health intervened at EPS Sanitas, one of the country’s largest healthcare providers, on Tuesday, April 2, affecting more than 5.5 million users. The Health Superintendence conducted the intervention at the administrative headquarters of EPS Sanitas in Bogotá, specifically at the Calle 109 Headquarters, according to reports from EL TIEMPO.
Patients Colombia, an organization representing over 198 user organizations, expressed their disapproval of the intervention, stating that it was unjustified and lacked technical elements. They believe that the intervention could jeopardize the provision of healthcare services to millions of Colombians and could lead to restrictions in service provision.
The intervention was reportedly due to failures within EPS Sanitas, particularly in terms of technical reserves and equity. The intervention is not intended to liquidate the entity but rather to administer it to address the financial shortcomings.
Congressmen Andrés Forero and Miguel Uribe of the Democratic Center initially raised concerns about EPS Sanitas’ financial status, highlighting the importance of meeting the reserve investment regime requirements to ensure the sustainability of the healthcare system. Mario Cruz, the technical vice president of Acemi, explained that the current issues with reserves are a result of chronic underfunding issues within the system.
The intervention has sparked debate and criticism, with some questioning the government’s motives and approach to addressing issues within the healthcare system. The Health Superintendency has not yet released an official statement regarding the intervention at EPS Sanitas.