The Colombian Ministry of Health has implemented a new resolution that significantly expands the list of medical treatments and services that will no longer be financed with public resources. This measure, based on Article 15 of Statutory Law 1751/15, increases the number of exclusions from 17 to a total of 117 treatments.
The government states that the objective of this modification is to make public health spending more efficient. The focus is now shifted toward treatments that possess proven effectiveness and scientific backing.
The Scope of Exclusions
The new list removes coverage for various categories of care, most notably aesthetic procedures and therapies lacking scientific evidence. This includes liposuctions, rhinoplasties, breast augmentations, and facial lifts, as well as vaginal rejuvenation and penis enlargement.
Fertility treatments, such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization (FIV with ICSI), are also excluded. Certain dental procedures like gingivectomy and diastema closure, as well as some cases of fixed orthodontics, will not be covered.
The resolution also targets “non-scientific” therapies. These include ozonotherapy, “psychomagic” psychotherapy, and Tomatis therapy—which encompasses dolphin therapy, aromaterapy, and hyperbaric chambers.
Excluded Medications
The system will no longer finance several specific medications, including Buprenorphine and certain uses of Diazepam. Other exclusions include Acetaminophen combined with codeine (for neuropathic pain) or hydrocodone, and Theophylline used for COPD.
Additional exclusions involve Erlotinib (without EGFR mutation), Interferon beta 1A, and certain presentations of Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Infliximab has also been excluded for the treatment of specific pathologies.
A System Under Pressure
While the current health crisis is not attributed solely to the government of Gustavo Petro—with roots extending back decades—experts and control entities suggest the situation has worsened since 2022.
According to a report from the Defensoría del Pueblo, tutelas (legal injunctions) for health care failures grew by nearly 18% in 2025. The number of cases rose from over 265,000 in 2024 to approximately 312,500.
These legal actions are primarily driven by circulatory system diseases, representing 12.2% of cases, followed by neurological, endocrine, and osteomuscular disorders. Hypertension is the most recurrent diagnosis, alongside mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and autism.
Financial Implications and Future Outlook
The fiscal strain on the system is evident, with the total health debt now standing at $25.7 trillion pesos. This financial gap, combined with quality of care deficiencies, has prompted the update to Statutory Law 1751/15.
The government may use these budget redirections to address more critical and dangerous diseases. If successful, this mechanism could potentially close existing economic gaps and prioritize high-impact medical needs.
A possible next step for the administration could be further refining the list of scientific evidence required for coverage to ensure that public funds are only used for high-efficacy treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many treatments are no longer covered by the Colombian health system?
There are now a total of 117 services and technologies excluded from public financing, up from the previous 17 exclusions.
What types of procedures were primarily removed from coverage?
The exclusions mainly target aesthetic procedures, therapies without scientific backing, specific medications, and daily care products.
Why did the Ministry of Health eliminate these coverages?
The measure aims to optimize public health spending by prioritizing treatments with proven scientific evidence and greater impact on critical diseases.
Do you believe prioritizing scientific evidence over elective procedures is the most effective way to solve a national health debt?
