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On May 28, 2024, EPS SURA submitted a request to the National Health Superintendence to initiate a Progressive Dismantling Program, seeking to withdraw in an orderly manner from the General Health Social Security System in Colombia. This decision marks a critical moment for one of the most important Health Promoting Entities (EPS) in the country, which serves more than 10% of the Colombian population.
EPS SURA has highlighted that this decision was taken with the aim of managing its obligations responsibly, given the financial difficulties faced by the Colombian health system. Between 2022 and 2023, the entity recorded net losses exceeding 360 billion pesos, and it is projected that by 2024 these could reach 500 billion pesos. This situation, aggravated by an insufficient budget allocation, has made EPS SURA's operation unsustainable under current conditions.
Juana Francisca Llano, president of Suramericana, said that EPS SURA has made multiple efforts to continue operating and fulfill its commitments. However, the insufficiency of the resources allocated through the Per Capita Payment Unit (UPC) and the Maximum Budgets for what is not included in the Health Benefits Plan (PBS) have prevented it from achieving financial balance. This structural deficit has led EPS SURA to make the difficult decision to request the gradual dismantling.
The Progressive Dismantling Program seeks a coordinated and planned transition that guarantees the continuity of treatments and the complete delivery of clinical information to members. In addition, the use of technical reserves is planned to manage obligations with clinics, IPS and hospitals. During this transition period, EPS SURA will continue to provide services with the quality and responsibility that have characterized it, while awaiting the Government's response to this request.
The situation of EPS SURA is not an isolated one. The president of the Colombian Association of Comprehensive Medical Companies (ACEMI), Ana María Vesga, highlighted that the financial crisis affecting EPSs in Colombia is a structural problem that has worsened in recent years. The lack of concrete actions to correct this situation has led several EPSs to face serious financial difficulties, compromising the sustainability of the health system.
While awaiting the decision of the National Health Superintendence, EPS SURA will continue to operate and serve its members, keeping its channels of attention open to resolve any concerns. This progressive dismantling process, if approved, will allow the EPS to manage its obligations in an orderly manner and protect the interests of its members and health service providers.
Read interesting news like this in our Gaffel News Magazine: https://www.flipsnack.com/CCA6559BDC9/gaffel-news-edici-n-24-mayo-2024/full-view.html
Sources: https://www.epssura.com/files/2024/comunicado-eps-sura-28-de-mayo.pdf
https://view.comunicaciones.sura.com
https://consultorsalud.com/ultima-hora-sura-eps-anuncia-retiro-voluntario-del-sistema/
https://www.elcolombiano.com/negocios/eps-sura-retirarse-sistema-de-salud-colombia-IE24578264
https://www.elespectador.com/salud/eps-sura-una-de-las-mas-grandes-pide-su-salida-progresiva-del-sistema-de-salud/
