Andina

Peru President: Thanks to universal health care, we close historical gap

ANDINA/Prensa Presidencia

00:00 | Lima, Dec. 13.

Health is and must be one of the main axes of all government actions, but —beyond that— it is a responsibility of society as a whole, Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra affirmed on Thursday night.


Within this framework, the Head of State reaffirmed his administration's decision to issue the urgency decree that implements universal health care as a fundamental right of all Peruvians, and thus shows its firm commitment to developing measures in favor of the population's health.

"With this measure a historical gap is closed, and a new stage in health in the country begins," the top official said during the presentation ceremony for the Universal Health Care Coverage, which took place at the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases.

The statesman referred to the resistance and opposition from some sectors that questioned the viability and sustainability of this measure, as well as that of guaranteeing the availability of generic medications in pharmacies nationwide.

In this sense, the Government opted to promote decrees, as it is a right not served for years by the State.

The President underlined that the Peruvian State's primary duty is to achieve the society's development with equity, and to achieve this, it has the obligation to care for and protect the lives of its citizens.

"Thanks to the urgency decree that guarantees free health care for all Peruvians, more than four million citizens, who lack this right, will access services through the Comprehensive Health Insurance (SIS) and the Intangible Solidarity Health Fund," he emphasized.

Budget

At the beginning, S/900 million (about US$265.25 million) is being allocated to finance the corresponding implementation. Likewise, the Ministry of Health will determine the infrastructure, health personnel, equipment, and supplies needed to expand the care capacity at hospitals.

(END) NDP/MVB

Published: 12/13/2019