Coosalud EPS healthcare barriers reported in Norte de Santander

The Defensoría del Pueblo has issued an alert regarding persistent barriers to healthcare access for Coosalud EPS users in the Norte de Santander department of Colombia. Between January 2025 and June 2026, the entity received 450 complaints against the provider, making the region the third highest in the country for such grievances.

Reported issues include delays in authorizations, specialized consultations, and procedures, as well as interruptions in treatments and late or incomplete delivery of medications. High-complexity patients, including those requiring intensive care (UCI), hemodialysis, and respiratory support, are among the most affected.

The Hospital Universitario Erasmo Meoz in Cúcuta has faced extreme pressure, reporting capacities reaching 372% in adult emergency services and 320% in delivery rooms. The Defensoría expressed concern over five reported deaths related to these service failures and has called upon the Superintendencia Nacional de Salud to conduct inspections and oversight.