Corruption in Colombia: possible diversion of 1.2 trillion in the health sector reported

Corruption in Colombia does not let up. Allegations about the management of resources allocated to Basic Health Equipment (EBS) have unleashed a controversy involving key figures in the government. The representative to the Chamber of Deputies, Andrés Forero, has pointed out inconsistencies in the use of the 2.1 billion pesos allocated to the program, questioning the transparency in the execution and contracting.

These accusations are in addition to the ongoing investigations into alleged corruption in Colombia in the teachers’ health system and in the intervened EPS, in which names such as Jhon Mauricio Marín, former president of Fiduprevisora, and Laura Sarabia, current chancellor of Colombia, appear, which has fueled suspicions of a possible network of political favors and embezzlement of funds.

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The representative to the House of Representatives, Andrés Forero, has denounced alleged irregularities in the management of resources allocated to Basic Health Equipment (EBS) by the Ministry of Health. According to Forero, of the 2.1 trillion pesos allocated for the implementation of this equipment, 1.6 trillion pesos have been transferred to different hospitals, but there is only a record of the execution of 317,000 million pesos, generating uncertainty about the destination of approximately 1.2 trillion pesos.

In addition, Forero questions the transparency in the hiring of personnel for the EBSs. While the Ministry of Health reported the existence of 17,000 people linked to this program, it did not provide details on the contracts, indicating that the responsibility lies with the public hospitals. This lack of accurate information has led the congressman to suspect that the resources could be being used for purposes other than those intended, such as the payment of political favors or the buying of votes ahead of the 2026 elections.

These allegations are in addition to the ongoing investigations into alleged cases of corruption in Colombia in the health of teachers and in the EPSs intervened by the government.

The web of corruption in Colombia: teachers’ health care

The teachers’ health system in Colombia has been the subject of a complex web of corruption in Colombia involving high-level officials and the embezzlement of resources intended for teachers’ health care.

Implication of Jhon Mauricio Marín

Jhon Mauricio Marín, former president of Fiduprevisora, has been identified as a central figure in this corruption scheme. During his administration, complex administrative structures were allegedly implemented that made auditing difficult and facilitated the diversion of resources.

Connection with Laura Sarabia

The investigation has also revealed links between Marín and Laura Sarabia, the current Minister of Foreign Affairs. Although Sarabia has denied any relationship with Marín, it has been reported that her brother, Andrés Sarabia, participated in activities related to Marín, including travel on private planes and the acquisition of clinics.

In addition, Marín’s brother was appointed to a diplomatic post at the Colombian Consulate in Barcelona, which has raised suspicions about possible political favors and nepotism.

Intervention of EPS and role of Mario Andrés Urán

Several EPS, including Coosalud, have been intervened by the Superintendence of Health due to administrative, financial and health care deficiencies that affected the provision of services. During these interventions, the interference of Mario Andrés Urán, an advisor with no formal link to the Superintendency, was discovered. He was said to have influenced the allocation of payments and contracts within these EPSs, prioritizing certain hospitals and laboratories without adequate justification.

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Links to Laura Sarabia

Journalistic investigations have pointed to possible connections between Laura Sarabia, Colombia’s current foreign minister, and Mario Urán. It is alleged that Sarabia attempted to influence key appointments within health sector entities, seeking to gain control through third parties.

In addition, the appointment of Urán’s brother to a diplomatic position at the Colombian Consulate in Barcelona has been reported, raising suspicions of possible political favors and nepotism.

According to media reports, Laura Sarabia, then Chief of Staff and current Colombian Foreign Minister, requested the resignation of the Superintendent of Health, Luis Carlos Leal, on October 24, 2024, three days after Leal filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office regarding alleged irregularities in transfers to Health Care Providers Institutions (IPS).

This action has been criticized by political figures such as former senator Jorge Enrique Robledo, who argues that Sarabia facilitated the protection of executives of three EPSs intervened by the government and accused of corruption. Robledo claims that the request for Leal’s resignation followed his denunciations against these executives and Mario Andrés Urán.

The Attorney General’s Office has initiated investigations to clarify these facts and determine responsibilities. For her part, Laura Sarabia has denied any involvement in corrupt activities, stating that the attacks against her seek to destroy her name and that the accusations lack evidence.

These new revelations reinforce the perception of a corruption scheme in Colombia that affects key sectors such as public health, with implications that could extend to political and diplomatic spheres, while investigations move forward to determine the responsibilities of the officials involved.