Peru's EsSalud launches digital app to cut medical wait times

EsSalud, Peru's Social Health Insurance, introduced the "EsSalud Digital" mobile application, enabling insured users to schedule specialist appointments, choose physicians, view available dates and times, and confirm visits directly from their phones. The platform also integrates digital services such as prescription access, diagnostic results, and tele‑orientation tools, initially covering high‑demand specialties like pediatrics, cardiology, neurology, and physical rehabilitation.

Executive director Jaime Moreno said the pilot, conducted with the National Telemedicine Center (Cenate), handled about 700 consultations and reduced average wait times from 192 days to seven days, with a future target of 48‑hour access. Moreno highlighted continued guarantees for vital medicines and a merit‑based appointment process for the agency’s top leadership.