Bogotá, Colombia – Sanitas EPS recently announced a shift in pharmacy service providers across 13 departments, with the promise of improved efficiency and accessibility for millions of users. This change, however, has sparked concern across the country, particularly in regions like Norte de Santander, where the number of pharmacies under the new contract has significantly reduced. But what does this really mean for patients, and why are so many health professionals raising red flags?
What’s Behind Sanitas’s Pharmacy Shift?
To set the stage, Sanitas EPS has been under the watchful eye of the Supersalud since earlier this year. Their latest move involves transitioning to new pharmaceutical operators like Pharmasan in an effort to, according to Sanitas, “optimize services and increase efficiency in medicine distribution.” Sounds like a smart play, right?
However, local leaders and health experts aren’t so sure. Andrés Forero, a congressman from the Centro Democrático party, raised the alarm on X (formerly Twitter) just last week, claiming that the new operators lack the infrastructure to adequately serve many regions. In Norte de Santander alone, the number of pharmacies is shrinking dramatically—from 14 down to just 4 locations. Think about that for a moment: a major region, now served by fewer than half the previous number of drugstores, with only one pharmacy in its capital, Cúcuta.
Are the New Operators Up to the Task?
This brings us to the core issue at hand: Are these new pharmaceutical operators—like Pharmasan and Cohan—prepared for such a critical responsibility? Forero believes they are not. In a recent interview, he called attention to Cohan (Cooperativa de Hospitales de Antioquia), questioning its experience and regional presence. Cohan, for its part, responded with confidence, citing 41 years of industry experience and a network of partnerships with over 280 laboratories.
On paper, Cohan appears solid: a portfolio of 19,000 molecules and a monthly distribution of over 36 million units of medicine sounds impressive. But Forero’s skepticism highlights a key issue: experience and large-scale operations don’t always guarantee regional coverage, especially in a country with diverse healthcare needs across rural and urban settings. While Cohan claims it has never faced legal or contractual issues, questions about its capacity in more remote areas remain.
What’s Happening on the Ground?
At a glance, Sanitas’s move could be seen as necessary. The old pharmacy network, led largely by Cruz Verde, has faced its own share of criticism for slow service and logistical hiccups. Yet, according to ACEMI, the association of contributive EPSs, the remedy might be worse than the illness. ACEMI points out that these new operators may not have the infrastructure to handle the volume or complexity of services in certain regions, especially when it comes to high-cost treatments.
Take, for example, a patient needing urgent medication for a chronic condition. Under the new system, they may now have to travel much further, or even face supply shortages, simply because the new operators don’t have enough presence in their area. That’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a potential health risk.
Why This Matters to Patients
If you’re a Sanitas EPS affiliate, these changes could directly affect your ability to get the medications you need, when you need them. And that’s the real concern here. When a major healthcare provider like Sanitas switches pharmacy operators, it’s not just about streamlining internal processes—it’s about maintaining the quality of care for its users.
For those living in regions where access to healthcare is already a challenge, these cuts in pharmacy services can feel like another hurdle. The fear is that, despite good intentions, this new system could leave many vulnerable patients without the medicine and supplies they rely on daily.
What Should You Do If You’re a Sanitas User?
First and foremost, don’t panic—but do stay informed. If you live in a region where pharmacy access has been reduced, it’s worth calling your local Sanitas office to understand how these changes will affect you directly. Ask if alternative options exist or if there’s a plan to mitigate the reduced number of pharmacies.
And if you’re facing issues, don’t hesitate to raise your voice. Advocacy by patients and healthcare providers alike is crucial to ensuring these changes don’t leave gaps in care. As ACEMI has pointed out, the problem isn’t always a lack of intention—it’s whether the right infrastructure is in place to follow through on promises.
DrLooking Ahead: What’s Next for Sanitas EPS?
It’s clear that Sanitas is at a crossroads. The changes they’re implementing could very well improve their service long-term, but only if they can ensure that the new operators, like Pharmasan and Cohan, can handle the demand—especially in underserved regions.
For now, the key takeaway for users is to stay proactive. Check in with your local providers, stay aware of any changes to your care, and don’t hesitate to seek alternative solutions if necessary. Healthcare is an essential service, and it’s on both the providers and the patients to make sure the system works efficiently for everyone.