The Ombudsman’s Office reported that more than 11,900 complaints related to the delivery of medicines have been registered in Colombia, during the technical table on the Capitation Payment Unit (UPC) held at the Constitutional Court.
Overview of Complaints on Medication Delivery
The report was presented by Claudia Vaca, delegate of the Ombudsman’s Office, who assessed the main difficulties in accessing health services across various regions. Notably, complaints regarding the timeliness of medication delivery account for a significant portion of health service issues, with the Ombudsman indicating that denial or incomplete delivery represents 32% of all health-related complaints nationwide.
Structural Issues in the Health System
The entity explained that the difficulties within the health system are structural. Recent years have intensified pressures on service access, particularly concerning medication availability and delivery. According to the report, 67% of complaints highlight five major issues, including delays in both general and specialized medical appointments.
Financial Pressures in Healthcare
The Ombudsman also noted that health expenditures on medications exceeded 88 billion pesos in 2025, marking a significant burden on the system. The inconsistency in the flow of financial resources has contributed to ongoing challenges, including inefficiencies despite the country allocating more than 8% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to healthcare.
Increase in Judicial Protections
The report further illustrated a 34% increase in health protection actions between January 2024 and July 2025. This surge reflects citizens’ reliance on judicial mechanisms to secure medication deliveries and timely medical services amid systemic obstacles. The frequent recourse to legal channels underscores the urgent need for effective solutions.
Household Expenditure on Health Services
Changing dynamics in household health spending were also revealed. Out-of-pocket expenses increased from 15.8% in 2019 to 17.2% in 2024, with specific regions seeing figures as high as 30%. This trend indicates a growing financial burden for families, especially those with lower incomes.
Factors Affecting the Health System
Several interlinked factors exacerbate the situation: the irregular flow of financial resources, lack of transparency in financial management, and inconsistent debt reporting among stakeholders. These elements disrupt service continuity and the delivery of medications, further complicating healthcare access.
Institutional Call to Action
In response to these pressing issues, the Ombudsman’s Office emphasized the need to ensure liquidity within the health system and to engage in meaningful discussions about the sustainability of existing benefit plans. Strengthening system governance, enhancing resource transparency, and clearly defining responsibilities among public and private actors are crucial steps toward fostering the right to health.