Colombia's Health Reform Legislation: The Roadblocks and Disagreements Ahead

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has presented a controversial health reform to lawmakers. The reform, aiming to improve primary care, expand access to treatment, and raise healthcare worker salaries, is part of Petro's initiatives to fight inequality, exclusion, and poverty in the Andean country.

Controversies Surrounding the Health Reform

The health reform has been a source of multiple disagreements among lawmakers. At the heart of the contention is the reform's financing and the proposed two-year transition period. The 'accidental commission', a group of more than 20 legislators, failed to reach consensus on these sensitive topics. Some lawmakers believe the proposed transition period is too short for implementing such profound changes to the health system. The roles of the National Health Council and health and life managers are also points of disagreement.

President Petro's initial plan to eliminate private sector healthcare providers also caused tensions in the alliance and within his cabinet. Petro and Health Minister Carolina Corcho have since backed down, but the bill includes provisions to set up a government body to centralize payments currently made by private sector providers to clinics and hospitals to ensure quick payouts. Recent reports show that hospitals and clinics across Colombia are waiting for some 11.5 trillion pesos (about $2.4 billion) in payments from private sector providers.

Public Response and Future Implications

Thousands of Colombians have taken to the streets to rally in support of Petro's proposed economic and social reforms. However, the proposal is expected to face opposition from conservative legislators who argue that the reforms are too risky. Opposition groups have called for marches and asked the public to rally against the health package, which they characterise as a threat to the country's economic stability.

Despite the controversy, the health reform is an integral part of Petro's larger platform of reducing poverty and economic inequality in Colombia. His administration also plans to institute changes for labour and pensions and offer subsidies for the elderly and those in poverty, as well as free university education for those who cannot otherwise afford it.

Experts' Take on the Health Reform

Anwar Rodríguez Chehade, deputy director of ANIF Centro de Estudios Económicos, believes that the current Colombian health system is a considerable achievement in social equity over the last 30 years. He warns that the backdrop of the health care reform proposed by Petro's administration may take the country 30 years back. Maria Velez de Berliner, chief strategy officer at RTG Red Team Group Inc, agrees, stating that the proposed health care law aims to destroy what works, albeit with flaws that need correction.

However, Javier Guzman, director of global health policy and senior fellow at the Center for Global Development, acknowledges that despite impressive achievements, the Colombian health system faces significant challenges. He believes the Petro reform attempts to solve these problems by moving to a quasi National Health System focused on prevention and primary care.