BTN News: Today, a poignant demonstration took place in front of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection in Colombia, led by Carolina RamÃrez, the director of Fundación Renacer. This foundation, dedicated to supporting patients with epilepsy, organized the protest in response to a growing crisis—patients with chronic epilepsy have been struggling for over a year to obtain the medications crucial for their survival. The situation has escalated to a breaking point, with many patients facing life-threatening consequences due to the sudden discontinuation and modification of their prescribed treatments.
The root of the problem appears to be twofold. Firstly, the Health Promotion Entities (EPS) abruptly stopped prescribing the necessary medications without warning, leading to severe repercussions for those dependent on these drugs. Secondly, the high cost of these medications, many of which are not covered under the Mandatory Health Plan (POS), has placed an insurmountable financial burden on patients and their families. The ambiguity surrounding whether this crisis stems from a broader supply shortage only adds to the frustration and anxiety of those affected.
Despite numerous legal actions, including petitions and complaints filed with the Superintendency of Health (Supersalud) and multiple legal protections (tutelas), patients continue to face barriers in accessing their essential treatments. The sense of urgency is palpable among those protesting, as each day without proper medication increases the risk of severe health complications and even death.
RamÃrez expressed grave concerns about the ongoing situation, emphasizing the critical nature of consistent treatment for epilepsy. “This is a lifelong condition that requires uninterrupted treatment. Sudden changes in medication or dosage can have dire consequences, including death. Every day, we receive reports of EPS refusing to dispense these medications, claiming unavailability, and tragically, this is costing lives,” RamÃrez stated.
The demonstration, which lasted throughout the day, received support from the Secretary of Health and caught the attention of the Vice Minister of Public Health, Jaime Urrego. Urrego met with the patients and assured them that the government would take their concerns seriously, promising to work towards solutions that would address the crisis.
The Fundación Renacer highlights the importance of uninterrupted pharmacological treatment for epilepsy patients. They stress that any change in the brand or dosage of medication can lead to adverse effects, destabilizing the patient’s condition. The lack of medication significantly heightens the risk of seizures, which can vary from brief episodes of disconnection to severe tonic-clonic seizures that pose a serious threat to life.
Medical guidelines underline that any interruption in medication can destabilize epilepsy control, resulting in more frequent and severe seizures, additional medical complications, and an increased risk of physical injuries due to falls or accidents during seizures. The sudden discontinuation of medication may also trigger “status epilepticus,” a medical emergency where seizures last for more than five minutes or occur repeatedly without the patient regaining consciousness between episodes.
The crisis extends beyond individual patients to families, who are left in a state of constant anxiety, unsure when or if their loved ones will receive the medications they desperately need. Nuria Zorrilla Muñoz, the mother of a patient with refractory epilepsy, voiced her distress: “My son is currently taking three different medications, and we are experiencing significant difficulties in obtaining them. We urgently call on all government entities to help us. Our children’s health is at risk.”
As the protest continues, the affected families and patients remain steadfast in their demand for solutions from the Ministry of Health. They hope that their voices will be heard and that prompt action will be taken to ensure the consistent supply of life-saving medications for those living with epilepsy and other chronic conditions. The stakes are incredibly high, with each passing day potentially marking the difference between life and death for these vulnerable patients.
