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Colombia's Healthcare Corruption Scandal
A major corruption scandal involving three Colombian healthcare providers (EPS) and a powerful lobbyist exposes flaws in the healthcare system and sparks political debate.
Spanish
Spain
PoliticsHuman Rights ViolationsHealthInvestigationHealthcareGovernmentCorruption
EmssanarSosAsmet SaludCoosaludSuperintendencia De Salud
Mario Andrés UránGustavo PetroLuis Carlos LealGuillermo JaramilloPaloma Valencia
- How did the opposition react to the scandal?
- The opposition used the scandal to criticize the government's handling of healthcare and warn against the risks of its proposed health reform, arguing that increased state control would exacerbate such issues.
- What was President Petro's response to the scandal?
- President Petro acknowledged the scandal, ordered investigations, and insisted that his health reform is not to blame. He emphasized that the responsible party was Coosalud, a private EPS, and not the intervened entities.
- How did the corruption scandal in Colombia's healthcare system begin?
- The scandal began with a Caracol Radio report on irregularities in three government-intervened EPS (Emssanar, SOS, and Asmet Salud). The report showed how EPS directors leaked financial information to Mario Andrés Urán, a contractor for Coosalud, revealing a potential scheme of misappropriated funds.
- What were the findings of the Superintendencia de Salud's investigation?
- The Superintendencia de Salud launched its own investigation, confirming the irregularities and alleging a conspiracy led by Urán involving concentrated payments to specific healthcare providers, inflated costs, and potential money laundering.
- What controversy surrounded the departure of the superintendent of health?
- The resignation of Superintendent Luis Carlos Leal following his report to the Fiscalía sparked speculation and accusations of political interference. The government denies any connection between the resignation and the scandal.