In less than a year, the fourth government intervention for ESE UNA: worries about the future of the Atlantic hospital network are growing

In less than a year, the fourth government-appointed interventor for the ESE UNA has been named, reigniting concerns over the future of the Atlantic region’s hospital network. The appointment of Santiago Arboleda Ochoa as the new interventor comes just weeks before the one-year mark of the intervention ordered by the National Superintendency of Health. This measure was initiated on August 19, 2025, with the aim of restoring administrative and financial stability to the largest hospital network in the department. The rapid succession of four interventors within this timeframe has raised alarms among users, workers, and regional authorities. The current interventor, Arboleda Ochoa, replaces Alfredo Villadiego Lora, whose tenure lasted fewer than two months. He follows Maryury Díaz Céspedes, who served until June 10, 2026, and Fredys Miguel Socarrás Reales, who led the entity from the start of the intervention until November 2025. The frequent changes have sparked criticism, particularly from user groups, who argue that such instability hampers institutional recovery efforts. The League of Users of the ESE UNA expressed particular concern over the timing of the new interventor's arrival, noting that it occurs shortly before the end of the initial intervention period. Guido Santander, spokesperson for the organization, stated that the change is unusual given the proximity to the one-year deadline. According to him, the interventor was expected to submit a performance report to the Superintendency of Health by that time. Santander emphasized that the constant rotation of directors has prevented continuity in recovery processes and made it difficult to establish a clear roadmap for the institution. The League of Users went further, requesting a forensic audit of the intervention process. They argued that there has been a consistent misuse of funds and that the financial management during the intervention period requires investigation. Santander pointed out that the figures indicate a pattern of wasteful spending and warned that another interventor may be appointed soon after the new administration takes office under Governor De la Espriella. He also highlighted ongoing service limitations within the hospital network. Several areas remain closed, including internal medicine, pediatrics, and oncology departments, along with intensive care units that are not operational. Specialized services such as hemodynamics and neurosurgery are also unavailable, forcing patients to seek treatment elsewhere. These issues have contributed to growing frustration among both patients and healthcare professionals. Workers' unions have echoed these concerns, sharing similar apprehensions about the impact of the frequent leadership changes on the quality of care and operational efficiency. The situation underscores broader challenges facing the region’s public health infrastructure, which continues to struggle with financial constraints, logistical hurdles, and resource allocation problems. As the new interventor begins his role, the focus will shift toward assessing the outcomes of the past year and determining the next steps. The Superintendency of Health is expected to evaluate whether the intervention has achieved its objectives and decide whether to return control to the Department of the Atlantic, extend the intervention, initiate a dissolution process, or pursue other alternatives to ensure continued service delivery. The outcome of this evaluation will likely shape the trajectory of the hospital network in the coming months.