Peru Health Minister reports catastrophic administrative crisis at MINSA

Peru's Minister of Health, Luis Enrique Dyer, has described the administrative state of the Ministry of Health (MINSA) as “catastrophic.” The minister highlighted significant deficiencies in digitalization and process control, noting that 54% of the country's 7,400 health facilities lack internet access, forcing many to rely on manual records for inventories and reports.

These administrative failures have direct consequences for patient care, with medical appointments reportedly delayed by up to four months and surgeries by up to eight months. Dyer also raised concerns regarding the management of medical supplies and equipment, citing a broken MRI machine being rented for S/350,000 per month and S/49 million worth of syringes purchased during the pandemic that remain in storage.

In response, the minister announced plans for a reform focused on organizational structure, administration, and digital transformation. He also stated he would work alongside the Contraloría to investigate potential irregularities.