Colombia launches $10 trillion health rescue plan amid Cauca crisis

A severe health‑care emergency has unfolded in Colombia’s Cauca department, where patients face medication shortages, postponed surgeries and long queues at EPS offices such as Nueva EPS, Asmet Salud and Emssanar. The situation has been described as a humanitarian crisis, with delayed payments to health staff further weakening hospital capacity.

The newly elected government of President Abelardo de La Espriella responded with a 90‑day rescue strategy that earmarks up to 10 trillion Colombian pesos to stabilise the health system’s finances, secure drug supplies and restore services. Ana María Vesga has been appointed minister of health to oversee the plan, which will be audited and targeted to address the most urgent gaps.

The initiative aims to halt the growing number of complaints, protect patient rights and rebuild confidence among health‑care providers and users across the country.