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Child's health Lucas Murillo has been complicated by lack of attention, reveals Cardiovascular Foundation: this is how he will be treated
CO🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive9/1/2026

Child's health Lucas Murillo has been complicated by lack of attention, reveals Cardiovascular Foundation: this is how he will be treated

The health condition of Lucas Francisco Murillo, a child who sought help from President Abelardo De la Espriella via social media due to an untreated heart condition by Nueva EPS, has worsened due to lack of medical attention. Following the president's directive to the Minister of Health, Ana María Vesga, the Fundación Cardiovascular (FCV) based in Floridablanca, Santander, will assess the patient. The foundation’s president, Víctor Raúl Castillo, outlined a medical plan involving specialized air ambulance transportation from Cúcuta to Bucaramanga to avoid complications during transit. Initial evaluations show severe cyanosis and systemic-pulmonary collateral formation, along with moderate pulmonary hypertension, attributed to the absence of timely medical care. Once hospitalized, a team of specialists will perform diagnostic tests including catheterization, cardiovascular echography, and other assessments to determine whether the child requires a Fontan surgery or placement on a heart transplant waiting list. The FCV has over two decades of experience in such procedures, having completed more than 300 heart transplants, including over 60 in children.

A seven-year-old boy named Lucas Francesco Murillo García, who was born with a heart condition and has undergone three open-heart surgeries, received medical attention after his plea for help went viral online. The child’s mother had spent over a year trying to get authorization from Nueva EPS for tests and procedures needed to qualify him for a heart transplant. His request for assistance reached President Abelardo De La Espriella, who responded by ordering the Ministry of Health to take charge of the case. The president confirmed on August 29 that Lucas is now receiving medical care through Nueva EPS and is being treated by specialists at the Fundación Cardiovascular in Bucaramanga. This institution is equipped with specialized services and staff required for his condition. According to Nueva EPS, the necessary arrangements have been made to ensure comprehensive and timely care for the child, including his transfer to Bucaramanga. Lucas's condition involves a congenital heart defect, which requires constant oxygen use and has led to three open-heart surgeries. He explained in a video shared online that he only has half a heart and needs further intervention to save his life. His mother, Andrea García, described the struggle she faced in getting approvals from Nueva EPS for the necessary treatments. She stated that despite multiple complaints and legal actions, there were no solutions until Lucas took matters into his own hands by reaching out directly to the president. President De La Espriella expressed deep concern over the situation and emphasized that no child should have to plead for their life to receive medical attention. He ordered the health minister, Ana María Vesga, to personally oversee the case and ensure that Lucas receives all required examinations, treatments, and specialized care. The president also mentioned that his administration would handle the father's medical needs with the same urgency. The Fundación Cardiovascular will evaluate Lucas's condition once he arrives in Bucaramanga. Initial assessments indicate that his health has worsened due to lack of proper treatment. Specialists from the foundation will perform a series of tests, including catheterizations, cardiovascular ultrasounds, and other diagnostic evaluations. Based on these results, the medical team will decide whether Lucas needs a Fontan surgery or should be placed on a heart transplant waiting list. Lucas's family expressed gratitude for the government's swift response. They noted that the situation seemed hopeless before the president intervened, but now they feel hopeful about the future. The mother thanked the president for taking action, saying it gave them new hope for their son's survival. The case of Lucas has sparked discussions about the need for more efficient healthcare systems and quicker responses to urgent medical situations. It has also highlighted the importance of individual advocacy in accessing essential medical services. The ongoing treatment and evaluation of Lucas will provide insights into the effectiveness of the current healthcare measures taken by the government and the private sector.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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10 reports

Semana logoSemanaIndependentCenterFactual 96Objective 888/29/2026
New EPS speaks out on Lucas' case: confirmed first decision they made with the child

A 7-year-old boy named Lucas, who was born with a heart condition and has undergone three heart surgeries, asked for help from President Abelardo De La Espriella after his mother struggled for nearly a year to get him medical tests and procedures. In response, the health ministry (minSalud) and the insurance provider Nueva EPS stated they would coordinate specialized care for Lucas, including his transfer to Bucaramanga for treatment at the Fundación Cardiovascular, a high-level institution equipped to handle his needs. The president expressed concern over the case and instructed Health Minister Ana María Vesga to assist Lucas and his family. Nueva EPS emphasized their commitment to providing timely and comprehensive healthcare support.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a public figure (President Abelardo De La Espriella) responding to a child’s plea for help, involving government action (health ministry involvement), but presents the situation factually without overtly favoring any political side. It includes quotes from both the EPS and the

Why factuality (96): This article provides detailed information about the actions taken by Nueva EPS, including the coordination of Lucas's transfer to Bucaramanga and the involvement of specialized institutions. These facts are consistent with the other articles and show a high level of accuracy.

Why objectivity (88): The article remains largely objective, though it quotes the minister of health directly, which can introduce some bias depending on the framing of those statements. However, it avoids overtly emotional language compared to other pieces.

Semana logoSemanaIndependentProgressiveFactual 95Objective 858/29/2026
Abelardo De La Espriella was deeply moved by Lucas, the child who asked him for help not to die: MinSalud will be in charge of the case

President Abelardo De La Espriella expressed deep emotional concern after receiving a message from Lucas, a 7-year-old boy born with congenital heart disease who has undergone three open-heart surgeries. Lucas' mother has been fighting for over a year with the New EPS health insurance provider to obtain necessary exams and procedures to qualify for a heart transplant. In response, the president instructed Health Minister Ana María Vesga to personally take charge of Lucas' case, ensuring he receives urgent medical attention. The president emphasized that a child should not have to say 'I don't want to die' for the healthcare system to respond, calling for immediate action to prevent the child's life from being hindered by bureaucratic delays.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the situation as a moral imperative requiring direct governmental intervention, emphasizing the urgency and humanity of the child's plight. The language used highlights systemic failures within the healthcare system and portrays the government's role as a compassionate and active,

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the president's response to Lucas's case, citing his direct instruction to the minister of health. It includes specific details such as the child’s age, medical condition, and the involvement of the Nueva EPS. The information aligns closely with the cross-source consen

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone but does include emotionally charged phrases like 'se conmovió profundamente' and 'no se puede permitir que un niño tenga que decir 'yo no me quiero morir'' which may slightly influence reader perception.

Semana logoSemanaIndependentCenterFactual 94Objective 878/29/2026
No more indolence, every life counts: minSalud responds to the case of Lucas, a child who asked for help to survive

The case of Lucas Murillo, a seven-year-old boy with congenital heart disease requiring constant oxygen therapy, has sparked significant social media attention. Lucas recorded a message addressed to President Abelardo De La Espriella, requesting assistance to expedite his medical procedures. In response, Health Minister Ana María Vesga reached out to Lucas' family, expressing solidarity and emphasizing that 'every life counts.' The minister highlighted the family's struggles, including the mother's prolonged wait for treatment and the father's illness. The video, which showed Lucas wearing the Colombian national team jersey, resonated emotionally with many, prompting further calls for action from authorities.

Bias read (Center): While the article discusses a politically sensitive issue involving government intervention in healthcare, the framing remains balanced. It presents both the emotional appeal of Lucas' situation and the government's response without overtly favoring either side. The emphasis is on the humanitarian角度

Why factuality (94): The article accurately describes Lucas's situation, including his age, medical history, and the mother's struggle with Nueva EPS. It also mentions the government's response through the minister of health. All these points are supported by the other articles.

Why objectivity (87): While the article presents the facts objectively, it includes a quote from the minister that emphasizes the importance of every life, which might subtly reflect a policy stance rather than purely factual reporting.

Semana logoSemanaIndependentProgressiveFactual 93Objective 848/29/2026
Lucas, a 7-year-old boy with three open-heart surgeries, asks Abelardo De La Espriella to help him: "I don't want to die"

A seven-year-old boy named Lucas, who was born with a heart condition and requires constant oxygen therapy, has gone viral on social media after recording a video asking President Abelardo De La Espriella for help. Lucas, who has undergone three open-heart surgeries, explains his medical situation and requests assistance in getting necessary procedures done quickly. His mother has been fighting for over a year with the New EPS health insurance provider to authorize exams and a cardiac catheterization at a fourth-level clinic. The case has sparked public concern, with the Minister of Health, Ana María Vesga, confirming support for Lucas and his family. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in accessing healthcare services in Colombia.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue around the need for governmental intervention in healthcare access, emphasizing the child’s plea to the president and the role of state officials. While the focus is on a specific individual's plight, the broader implication is a critique of systemic failures in public福利

Why factuality (93): The article gives an accurate account of Lucas's condition, his request for help, and the government's response. It also includes additional context about Nueva EPS's financial obligations, which adds depth but is not central to the main event. This aligns with the overall narrative presented in oth

Why objectivity (84): The article contains more emotionally charged language, particularly in quoting Lucas himself, which may affect the perceived neutrality. While it still presents the facts, the tone leans slightly toward emphasizing the emotional impact of the situation.

Semana logoSemanaIndependentCenterFactual 88Objective 828/30/2026
Abelardo De La Espriella confirms that Lucas is already receiving attention: The cry of a child will never be ignored

President Abelardo De La Espriella confirmed via his X account that Lucas, a seven-year-old boy who required three open-heart surgeries and had sought help from the president to continue his treatment, is now receiving medical care. The child’s parents had struggled with the Nueva EPS to get approvals for procedures and exams needed for a heart transplant. After learning of Lucas’ situation, De La Espriella called on Health Minister Ana María Vesga to provide assistance. Lucas is now under the care of specialists at the Fundación Cardiovascular de Bucaramanga through the Nueva EPS. The president emphasized that the government would prioritize children’s health over bureaucratic delays and expressed commitment to supporting families in need. Lucas' parents thanked the administration for their swift response and direct engagement with the Ministry of Health.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a government response to a citizen's plea for medical assistance, highlighting the president's intervention and the involvement of the Ministry of Health. The tone is neutral, focusing on the actions taken by the government and the gratitude of the family. There is no evident偏

Why factuality (88): This article confirms the same facts as others regarding Lucas receiving medical attention after the president intervened. It includes details about the father’s case being addressed as well, which adds depth and aligns with the cross-source consensus. Quotes from the president are consistent with o

Why objectivity (82): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting both the president’s actions and the family’s situation without overt bias. There is some emotional language around the child’s plight, but it does not significantly skew the reporting.

El Tiempo logoEl TiempoIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 808/31/2026
Lucas Murillo, the child who asked the President for a heart transplant, is taken to Bucaramanga for key medical evaluation: 'Pray for us'

A 7-year-old boy named Lucas Francesco Murillo García, who previously asked for a heart transplant through social media and directly addressed the president, has been transported by air ambulance from Cúcuta to Bucaramanga for critical medical evaluation. The transfer was made using a specialized aircraft provided by the Fundación Cardiovascular due to his medical condition. This move follows months of efforts by his family to access necessary healthcare services. The president, Abelardo De La Espriella, had personally instructed the Minister of Health, Ana María Vesga, to take charge of the case and ensure Lucas receives urgent care through the Nueva EPS system. Social media posts have shared footage of the child’s journey and his family’s emotional experience.

Bias read (Progressive): The article emphasizes the involvement of the president in addressing the child's medical needs, highlighting the government's direct intervention and commitment to providing care. It uses emotionally charged language such as 'el clamor de un niño jamás será ignorado' ('a child’s plea will never be

Why factuality (85): The article provides specific details about Lucas Murillo’s medical transport, including his age, destination, and the involvement of the Fundación Cardiovascular. These facts align with the general consensus found in other articles covering the same event. However, some contextual details such as t

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone, focusing on factual reporting of events and quoting statements from officials. It avoids overtly emotional language but does highlight the urgency of the situation, which may slightly influence the reader’s perception.

Semana logoSemanaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 808/30/2026
This is how the New EPS responds to Abelardo De La Espriella after the case of Lucas, the child who asked not to die

In the night of August 29, President Abelardo De La Espriella confirmed on social media that medical care has been provided to Lucas, a 7-year-old boy who had previously undergone three open-heart surgeries and had made a video requesting help from the president due to lack of medication. The president stated that Lucas is now receiving necessary healthcare through the Nueva EPS and specialists from the Fundación Cardiovascular de Bucaramanga. Following the news of Lucas’s arrival in the capital of Santander department, Nueva EPS responded by thanking the monitoring and concern over the case, stating they would accompany the child and his family during the treatment process. The EPS coordinated the transfer of Lucas to Bucaramanga, where the institution providing care is described as a fourth-level facility with specialized services. The entity acknowledged the concerns raised about the child’s health and emphasized timely responses to his needs. The situation gained attention after a video of Lucas appealing to the president went viral, highlighting the mother’s struggle to obtain exams and procedures for him.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the actions of both the president and the Nueva EPS in a balanced manner, focusing on their respective responses to the situation without overtly favoring either side. While the issue involves political figures and public institutions, the tone remains objective, emphasizing the

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the president's confirmation that Lucas is receiving medical attention through Nueva EPS and the Foundation Cardiovascular de Bucaramanga. It aligns with the cross-source consensus that the child was in need of treatment and has now received care. The article cites dir

Why objectivity (80): The tone is empathetic but remains neutral, focusing on the situation rather than taking sides. However, there is some emotional language around the child’s plea and the government’s response, which slightly reduces objectivity.

El Tiempo logoEl TiempoIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 758/30/2026
Mother of Lucas, the child who asked for help for a serious medical condition, sent an emotional message to President De La Espriella: 'They are opening doors for us'

The article reports on the case of seven-year-old Lucas Francesco Murillo García, who was suffering from severe medical conditions requiring urgent surgery. His mother, Andrea García, had been struggling for over a year to get authorization from the health insurance provider Nueva Eps for necessary tests and procedures at a fourth-level clinic to qualify for a heart transplant. After multiple complaints and appeals failed, Lucas recorded a video asking President Abelardo De La Espriella for help. The president responded swiftly by ordering the minister to assist the family. The mother expressed gratitude for the government’s prompt action, noting that while they had faced challenges with institutional agreements, the situation had finally improved.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the situation involving a child's medical crisis and the government's response. It does not overtly criticize or praise either the government or the healthcare system but rather reports on the process and outcome. While the issue involves public policy and官

Why factuality (80): This article covers the background of Lucas’s struggle with Nueva EPS and his appeal to the president. It includes quotes from the mother and the child, which add personal context. The information aligns with other sources about the timeline and the government’s intervention. However, it omits some

Why objectivity (75): The article has a more narrative style, emphasizing the emotional impact of the situation. While this can be engaging, it leans into the emotional aspect of the story, reducing overall objectivity.

El Tiempo logoEl TiempoIndependentProgressiveFactual 75Objective 709/1/2026
Valeria Perez, from Vallecaucano, is fighting cancer and went to President De La Espriella like the boy Lucas Murillo.

Valeria Pérez Jaramillo, una mujer de 29 años con cáncer de mama triple negativo y metástasis, logró que el gobierno nacional y su EPS (Entidad Promotora de Salud) aceleraran su traslado a la Clínica Imbanaco de Cali gracias a una campaña en redes sociales inspirada en el caso del niño Lucas Murillo. Pérez explicó que no recibía tratamiento durante más de tres meses y que su condición médica estaba en peligro. Su caso fue priorizado tras la intervención del presidente Abelardo De La Espriella, quien respondió a su petición. En los videos publicados en redes sociales, Pérez expresó su gratitud hacia el presidente, la ministra de Salud, la EPS S.O.S. y otros actores involucrados en su atención médica.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue around the responsiveness of high-level political figures (president, ministers) to public appeals, emphasizing their intervention in a medical crisis. It highlights the role of social media activism and the prioritization of cases by national leaders, which aligns with左

Why factuality (75): This article introduces Valeria Pérez and her cancer treatment, linking her case to Lucas Murillo’s by referencing the president’s intervention. While this connection is plausible based on the broader narrative, the article lacks specific details about the nature of Valeria’s cancer or the exact act

Why objectivity (70): The article leans slightly toward emotional storytelling, especially when quoting Valeria’s personal sentiments like ‘Sueño con verla crecer.’ The framing emphasizes the impact of social media activism and the president’s role, which might subtly favor a particular perspective rather than maintainin

El Tiempo logoEl TiempoIndependentProgressiveFactual 75Objective 708/30/2026
Child's health Lucas Murillo has been complicated by lack of attention, reveals Cardiovascular Foundation: this is how he will be treated

The health condition of Lucas Francisco Murillo, a child who sought help from President Abelardo De la Espriella via social media due to an untreated heart condition by Nueva EPS, has worsened due to lack of medical attention. Following the president's directive to the Minister of Health, Ana María Vesga, the Fundación Cardiovascular (FCV) based in Floridablanca, Santander, will assess the patient. The foundation’s president, Víctor Raúl Castillo, outlined a medical plan involving specialized air ambulance transportation from Cúcuta to Bucaramanga to avoid complications during transit. Initial evaluations show severe cyanosis and systemic-pulmonary collateral formation, along with moderate pulmonary hypertension, attributed to the absence of timely medical care. Once hospitalized, a team of specialists will perform diagnostic tests including catheterization, cardiovascular echography, and other assessments to determine whether the child requires a Fontan surgery or placement on a heart transplant waiting list. The FCV has over two decades of experience in such procedures, having completed more than 300 heart transplants, including over 60 in children.

Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights the failure of the private healthcare provider Nueva EPS to provide adequate treatment for a child, which led to a presidential intervention. This frames the issue as a failure of the current administration or private sector in providing essential services, suggesting a left-傾

Why factuality (75): This article provides more detailed medical information about Lucas’s condition, including specific symptoms and the planned treatment by the Foundation Cardiovascular. While this adds value, it lacks full context about the previous lack of care and the role of the president. Some details may be spe

Why objectivity (70): The tone is more clinical and less focused on the human story, but it still presents the facts objectively. However, the emphasis on the severity of the condition and the urgency of the treatment might be seen as slightly biased toward highlighting the gravity of the situation.

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