Antioquia regional health and development issues

The Governor of Antioquia, Andrés Julián Rendón, has addressed significant challenges regarding healthcare and regional infrastructure. Following the death of a three-month-old infant in Montería, Governor Rendón criticized the healthcare provider Coosalud, describing their actions as “tremenda y dolorosamente negligente” (tremendously and painfully negligent). The infant had reportedly died while awaiting transfer to a facility capable of providing ECMO life support.

In response to broader systemic issues, Governor Rendón met with Health Minister Ana María Vesga to discuss a public hospital crisis. The Antioquia delegation proposed a plan to reorganize the department’s hospital network, specifically targeting maternal care, hospital financing, and debts owed by EPS providers. The Governor also requested a review of the Capitation Payment Unit (UPC) to improve system financing.

Parallel to health concerns, the Governor is engaging with national officials to advance infrastructure projects in the Urabá region. Discussions include port development, the construction of a regional aqueduct, and the acceleration of the Vía al Mar Gonzalo Mejía Trujillo highway.