Colombia launches health shock plan to tackle systemic crisis

The Colombian national government unveiled a health "shock plan" aimed at rapidly improving patient care, cutting waiting times for consultations and procedures, streamlining medication delivery, and strengthening hospital and clinic capacity. The plan calls for continuous monitoring of service providers, prioritising regions with the greatest difficulties, and optimizing resource flows, with the Ministry of Health pledging to adjust measures as needed.

The announcement comes amid a broader health crisis that has become a top voter concern. A recent survey found 26.1% of respondents cite the mishandling of health services as their main issue, surpassing traditional concerns such as corruption. Government interventions have placed several EPS (health insurers) under state control, exposing growing debt—about 33 trillion pesos owed to health providers—and a lack of technical reserves. Users of intervened EPS report longer appointment delays, reduced medication access, higher out‑of‑pocket costs, and more legal complaints, underscoring the sector’s strain ahead of upcoming elections.