Colombia healthcare reform unlikely to become reality

Significance

The plan, which envisages a larger role for the state in a single-payer system, is controversial both among politicians and with the public. Congress is unlikely to act swiftly on it, especially in a context in which the government's public approval seems to be falling and local elections are looming. The reform will probably also face legal challenges.

Impacts

• The central element in the reform is for the state to become the single payer of all health-related expenses, removing insurance firms.
• Colombian health spending has been increasing since 2000 and, if trends continue, could eventually become fiscally unsustainable.
• Accusations of involvement in healthcare-related corruption, especially against conservative politicians, may be weaponised in debates.