Colombian conglomerate Grupo Sura seeks regulatory permission to dismantle health business amid healthcare system crisis
Colombian healthcare system faces further turmoil as Grupo Sura subsidiary seeks to dismantle health business
In a move that could have significant implications for Colombia’s healthcare system, a subsidiary of Colombian conglomerate Grupo Sura has requested regulatory permission to dismantle its health business. This decision comes in the wake of the government’s takeover of two major insurers, Sanitas and Nueva EPS, which collectively served 16 million clients.
The government, led by President Gustavo Petro, has been grappling with challenges in the healthcare sector, with allegations of inadequate care leading to the takeover of the two insurers. Despite efforts to push through a health reform proposal in April, Petro has faced resistance from the senate, which rejected the reform.
The SURA unit, EPS Sura, has reported significant losses, totaling 360 billion pesos ($92.3 million) from 2022 to 2023, leading to concerns about the company’s financial stability. In a statement, the firm emphasized the need for timely measures to prevent further deterioration in the healthcare system.
While EPS Sura will continue to provide services for its 5.3 million clients, the decision to dismantle the health business highlights the challenges facing the sector. The Colombian health ministry has acknowledged the structural failures in the healthcare system and the need for reform.
A viability study will now be conducted to assess the implications of the request to dismantle the health business. Petro has indicated plans to present a new health reform proposal when Congress reconvenes in July, with potential changes that could see EPS Sura transition from a healthcare administrator to a direct healthcare provider.
In addition to healthcare reform, Petro’s administration is also pursuing pension, labor, and education reforms. The outcome of these efforts will have far-reaching consequences for Colombia’s healthcare system and the millions of individuals who rely on it for essential services.
