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Original article: Senadores de oposición acusan «desangramiento de la salud pública» tras recorte de $413 mil millones en el Minsal

Opposition Senators Decry «Bleeding of Public Health» Following $413 Billion Cut to Health Ministry

Opposition senators from the Health Commission, Juan Luis Castro (PS), Karol Cariola (PC), and Ximena Órdenes (IND), expressed their outrage upon learning of Decree No. 333 from the Treasury, which slashes over $413 billion from the Ministry of Health, an act they deem a true «bleeding of public health.»

During a press conference, Castro, Cariola, and Órdenes warned that this budget cut affects Fonasa, GRD hospitals, primary care, and more than 80 health facilities across the country. They criticized the government’s prior assurances under President Kast, stating that public health for millions hangs in the balance.

They further questioned the fact that the details of this adjustment were disclosed through the media, despite their previous requests for clarity from the Executive about the true implications of the cuts. Consequently, they announced plans to summon Health Minister May Chomalí to provide explanations alongside representatives from the most affected hospitals.

“The Minister of Finance, who signed this decree, is bleeding the Chilean health system with an improper cut in the most critical area of people’s lives—health,” stated Senator Juan Luis Castro, who also chairs the Senate Health Commission.

Senator Karol Cariola highlighted that the government provided incomplete information to the Commission: “We were lied to. We received data about cuts that supposedly wouldn’t affect patient care. However, the decree acknowledged by the Comptroller says otherwise. Over $400 billion is being cut from public health in our country.”

The representative from Valparaíso also pointed out the contradiction with the government’s tax reform: “This equals the same $400 billion being reduced in VAT for real estate companies under the massive tax reform currently under discussion in the Chamber. I want to tell the government that Chileans cannot pay with their health for tax cuts for the super-rich in our country,” she asserted.

Senator Ximena Órdenes voiced her “outrage regarding the details of the health budget cut,” calling for “an immediate rectification, especially considering that more users require additional resources,” referring to the increase in Fonasa enrollments.

Finally, the three senators stated they would continue to seek a review of the decree and demand detailed information from the government, reiterating that this measure directly impacts patients, healthcare workers, and hospitals already facing high levels of debt and pressure.

We will keep you informed.

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