BTN News: Over the past two years, Félix León MartÃnez, director of the Administradora de los Recursos del Sistema (Adres), has provided a comprehensive update on the financial management and achievements of the entity under the current government. The results showcase significant growth and strategic adjustments that reflect the administration’s commitment to strengthening Colombia’s healthcare system. Under the leadership of the current government, the Adres has distributed an impressive 164 trillion pesos, marking a 60% increase compared to the 102 trillion pesos disbursed during the first two years of the previous administration. This substantial rise surpasses inflation and indicates a robust investment in the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
The latest data on payments made by the Adres reveal that during the first half of the current year alone, the financial arm of Colombia’s healthcare system recognized a total of 42.32 trillion pesos through the Unidad de Pago por Capitación (UPC). Of this amount, 21.58 trillion pesos were allocated to the EPS of the contributory regime, while 20.74 trillion pesos were directed to the EPS of the subsidized regime. Additionally, 2.48 trillion pesos were disbursed to EPSs to cover services and healthcare technologies not included in the UPC value, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all beneficiaries.
Félix León MartÃnez emphasized the considerable progress made in the subsidized regime under the current government. In particular, the government has increased spending in this area from 40 trillion pesos during the first two years of the previous administration to a staggering 73 trillion pesos. One of the most noteworthy achievements in this period is the implementation of direct transfers to more than 5,000 clinics and hospitals across the country. This approach, known as the direct transfer mechanism, has facilitated the direct disbursement of 4.5 trillion pesos per month to these healthcare providers, out of the 7 trillion pesos that the Adres allocates monthly to the health system.
In the last six months alone, the direct transfer mechanism has been instrumental in channeling 19.52 trillion pesos directly to healthcare providers, including 13.14 trillion pesos to 3,494 institutions within the subsidized regime and 6.37 trillion pesos to 2,936 institutions in the contributory regime. This represents an impressive 88.82% increase in direct transfers to clinics and hospitals compared to the same period in the previous year, a significant achievement enabled by the enforcement of Decree 489 of 2024.
By June, the Adres had disbursed 6.95 trillion pesos to ensure the availability of healthcare services for all Colombians, with 3.47 trillion pesos allocated to those in the subsidized regime and 3.30 trillion pesos to those in the contributory regime. Through the direct transfer mechanism, the entity successfully transferred 2.45 trillion pesos to 3,054 healthcare institutions and service providers associated with the subsidized regime, and 1.96 trillion pesos to 2,494 institutions linked to the contributory regime.
These figures not only underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services across the nation but also highlight the efficient and strategic financial management of the Adres. The introduction and expansion of the direct transfer mechanism, in particular, have significantly streamlined the flow of funds, ensuring that resources are delivered promptly to the institutions that need them most. This financial strategy has played a critical role in bolstering the healthcare infrastructure in Colombia, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for all citizens.
As the Adres continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of Colombia’s healthcare landscape, the positive financial trajectory and strategic initiatives reflect the current administration’s dedication to fostering a more resilient, efficient, and equitable healthcare system for all Colombians. The ongoing improvements and innovations in financial management within the healthcare sector are expected to yield lasting benefits, ensuring that the nation’s healthcare system remains robust and responsive to the needs of its people.
