Health on the coast under scrutiny again: Van Buren Hospital and San Antonio Service are investigated by the Comptroller's Office

The Chilean Contraloría Regional de Valparaíso has launched investigations into two key healthcare institutions, Hospital Carlos Van Buren and the Servicio de Salud Valparaíso-San Antonio (SSVSA), over alleged administrative and financial irregularities. The probe was initiated following an audit conducted on June 26, which uncovered discrepancies related to the acquisition, provision, and payment of services involving non-hospital placements, particularly for patients with socio-sanitary and oncological risks. According to the audit, several deficiencies were identified, including delays in formalizing administrative acts after services had been rendered, purchases made without purchase orders or signed contracts, and obligations not reflected in the institution's accounting records. For instance, the report noted that services related to non-hospital placements were carried out between January and March 2025, totaling approximately $30.84 million, yet there were no administrative approvals or accounting records associated with these expenses until March of that year. Hospital Carlos Van Buren defended its position, stating that it is acceptable to issue administrative acts retroactively to regularize already consumed services or delivered goods. However, the audit found that the hospital also delayed payments to suppliers beyond the legally mandated 30-day period, with delays ranging from 35 to 217 days after invoices were issued. In addition to administrative issues, internal controls were found lacking, particularly in the relationship between the hospital and the Hogar San José, an external residence contracted to accommodate patients who have been discharged but require continued care due to lack of family or community support networks. The audit revealed that the hospital did not conduct proper oversight of this facility managed by the Corporación Nacional del Cáncer (CONAC). Supervisions at Hogar San José lacked clear criteria to assess critical aspects such as infrastructure, equipment, accommodation conditions, nutrition, hygiene, and safety. Despite the hospital’s defense and efforts to address the identified issues, the Contraloría highlighted ongoing weaknesses in internal controls, violations of public procurement laws, and incomplete accounting records. It formally requested the hospital to initiate a new disciplinary procedure to determine administrative responsibilities, expedite existing investigations, and ensure all future contracts include prior approval and strict formalization of agreements. The Contraloría has also turned its attention to the Servicio de Salud Valparaíso-San Antonio (SSVSA), citing irregularities in direct contracts with the provider Sistemas Expertos e Ingeniería de Software Limitada. These contracts, used to coordinate and manage the public health network in the area, reportedly lacked proper justification for the "emergency, urgency, unforeseen circumstances" rationale invoked to authorize direct dealings. There was no evidence of administrative acts authorizing new direct contracts or approving subsequent agreements that supported service delivery after the initial contract under this modality expired. As a result, the Contraloría concluded that the direct contracts with the mentioned provider did not comply with legal standards. It ordered the SSVSA to take measures to regularize the situation and initiate a disciplinary process to determine the appropriate administrative responsibilities. These findings emerged from an official communication recently released by the regional office, highlighting the need for stricter adherence to legal procedures in both institutional management and public procurement processes. The audits underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in managing public resources, especially within the healthcare sector. The investigation into Hospital Carlos Van Buren and the SSVSA comes amid growing scrutiny over administrative practices in Chile’s public health system. Previous reports have indicated similar concerns regarding oversight and compliance, prompting calls for more rigorous monitoring mechanisms to prevent misuse of public funds and ensure quality patient care. The Contraloría’s findings will likely influence future regulatory actions and could lead to further investigations into other healthcare providers operating in the region. The outcomes of the current probes may set precedents for how administrative and financial missteps are addressed in the broader context of public health administration.