Chile's Arica Health Secretary Karla Kepec Álvarez Resigns Over Politicised Hiring Message

The Ministry of Health confirmed the resignation of Karla Kepec Álvarez, the former regional health secretary for Arica and Parinacota, after a controversial WhatsApp message was made public. The message advertised two laboratory technician vacancies but stipulated that applicants must be “republicans or children of republicans” and send their credentials to an email linked to the Chilean Republican Party.

The requirement sparked widespread criticism for breaching principles of merit, equality and transparency in public recruitment. Citing its commitment to administrative probity, the ministry accepted Kepec Álvarez’s departure and thanked her for her work during her tenure.