Colombia President Gustavo Petro faces health scandal amid mixed reform legacy

In the final months of his administration, President Gustavo Petro is assessing a legacy of ambitious reforms and controversy. His government advanced a pension reform and pursued changes in health, labor, education and energy policy, while promoting the "Paz Total" dialogue with armed groups. Economic indicators showed social gains but also rising inflation, unemployment and business uncertainty, prompting debate over the overall impact of his tenure.

At a ministerial council on 16 June, Wilmar Mejía, director of the Unidad de Información y Análisis Financiero (UIAF), announced the discovery of a criminal network within Colombia’s health system. He said the scheme involved a major EPS covering about 3.5 million affiliates, 168 individuals, 17 clinics and hospitals, and 43 legal entities that allegedly concealed public‑fund liabilities. The investigation points to possible embezzlement, money‑laundering, illicit enrichment and conspiracy to defraud the health system. Petro cited evidence that roughly COP 5 trillion was moved abroad through operators linked to Coosalud, the EPS with a Spanish subsidiary, and said formal complaints would be filed against the involved parties.