Various public health unions have launched an offensive against the government following the announcement of a budget cut that workers claim will compromise the quality of patient care. The organizations delivered a formal letter to the executive branch requesting an immediate review of the measure and have not ruled out calling for nationwide protests.
Laura San Martín, Secretary of Public Health for the Central Workers' Union (CUT), led the pushback against the fiscal adjustment. "We demand that these cuts be reversed and that health be prioritized as a fundamental right guaranteed by the State, using the same criteria applied to the Ministry of Security," the leader stated.
Political Pressure and Doubts Over Management
The discontent has reached Congress, where lawmakers from various parties have questioned the transparency of the decision. Representative Matías Fernández (FA) challenged the government to clarify whether the ultimate goal is to dismantle the state apparatus.
"If there are intentions to dismantle the public health system, be transparent and say so. But do not do it surreptitiously through these cuts that attack a system serving more than 80% of the population," Fernández asserted.
Even from the opposition, Representative Daniel Lilayú (UDI) joined the criticism, labeling it a mistake to reduce spending in such a critical sector. "Every peso spent on health and primary care will effectively benefit the Chilean people. Personally, I believe that resources, which are already scarce, should not be cut or diminished," the lawmaker maintained.
Minister of Health May Chomalí defended the executive's position during her appearance before the Chamber of Deputies. The minister confirmed that negotiations with the unions are ongoing and assured that funding is guaranteed for the treatment of cancer patients.
"This is fresh money that will reach health centers, and we are monitoring every line item, but we must send the right signals," Chomalí explained to the legislators. Despite these statements, uncertainty persists among public health workers, who remain on high alert regarding potential further budget reductions in the coming months.