Original article: Recortes en Salud: Diputados Matías Fernández y Ana María Gazmuri alertan por situación en hospital Sótero del Río y el PRAIS Representatives Ana María Gazmuri (Humanist Action) and Matías Fernández (Broad Front) have voiced their serious concerns regarding a recent decree from the Ministry of Finance that slashes the health budget by $413. 193 million, representing 2. 4% of national funding.
This budget cut will impact over 80 public hospitals and various essential programs at a time when waiting lists have reached historic highs exceeding 2 million people, with average waiting times for care reported at 10 months. In this context, both lawmakers agree that this reduction is not merely a technical adjustment but a direct strike against patients, healthcare workers, and programs aimed at addressing human rights violations. «When healthcare is cut, the impact is not measured solely in numbers—it translates to longer waits, increased pressure, and more distress for patients and staff who are already operating under critical conditions,» the legislators stated.
Sótero del Río Hospital In this regard, Representative Gazmuri highlighted the dire situation at Sótero del Río Hospital, the country’s most important reference facility and the main healthcare center in the southeastern region of the Metropolitan Area. «The hospital itself has already warned of a critical resource deficit, overcrowding in emergency services, and delays in ambulance responses. With this cut, resources will last only until July.
What will happen in August for the thousands of patients needing care? » the humanist representative questioned. «Healthcare is not something to gamble with.
Minister May Chomalí will have our full support if she decides to demand that this cut does not apply to the sector. The priority must be to strengthen public health, not weaken it,» Gazmuri added. PRAIS Program Meanwhile, Representative Matías Fernández warned about the potential impact on PRAIS – the Health Repair and Care Program, which is vital for the rehabilitation of victims of human rights violations during the period from 1973 to 1990 (military dictatorship).
«This budget cut directly affects victims and those harmed during the darkest period of our history, who are currently part of a repair process that the state must guarantee. Additionally, it undermines a promise made by the government regarding the reduction of waiting lists, since PRAIS users are included in them,» emphasized the Broad Front legislator. Thereby, added Fernández, «together with the situation at Sótero del Río Hospital, we demand that there is no ideological intent behind this adjustment that ultimately weakens the duties of the state.
» We will continue to provide updates.