The Crisis at Asmet Salud EPS
The staff at Asmet Salud, a health insurance provider in Colombia, are facing an alarming situation as they have not received their salaries for over two months. Senator-elect Jennifer Pedraza has publicly condemned this lack of payment, emphasizing the detrimental effects on workers’ health and nutrition. Employees are unable to access medical care due to unpaid social security contributions, leading to serious consequences for their well-being.
The Impact on Health and Nutrition
Due to the failure of Asmet Salud to fulfill its financial obligations, workers report struggling to provide basic necessities for themselves and their families. The absence of salaries has forced many employees to delay medical treatments, jeopardizing their health. As many workers lack active membership within their health promotion entities, they are essentially left without access to essential healthcare services, medications, and nutritional resources.
Union Response and Calls for Action
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Sindisalud-Asmet union has issued a statement detailing the plight of its members. They report that employees are owed not just two months of salaries but also pending food bonuses, vacation payments, and settlements for those who have resigned. The financial strain is leading to widespread struggle, affecting not just individuals but also their families.
Concerned about this disturbing trend, the union has called for an assembly of delegates scheduled for April 1, 2026, to address the situation and deliberate on potential actions, including a possible strike if resolutions are not forthcoming.
Urgency for Government Intervention
Senator Pedraza has urgently called for intervention from the National Health Superintendence to ensure the immediate payment of back wages and compliance with social security obligations. She highlighted the dire need for authorities to recognize the gravity of the situation, where employees are deprived of the fundamental rights necessary for decency and dignity in the workplace.
Legal and Administrative Developments
Meanwhile, the instability at Asmet Salud has attracted scrutiny from the Attorney General’s Office, which has initiated disciplinary investigations into former intervening agents following the deterioration of service quality despite government oversight. The latest intervention sees Jessica Milena Aguirre Santana appointed as the new auditor to oversee operations and seek to revitalize the organization.
The EPS has reiterated its commitment to maintaining service continuity, although the actions taken so far raise questions about its effectiveness and accountability.
Solidarity from the Community
As the crisis unfolds, the union is calling for public support and understanding as workers fight against unfair treatment from the EPS. Their demands aim to secure just and fair working conditions while ensuring they can continue providing crucial health services to the community.