Stories from Colombia

Per capita spending on medicines for Colombian households rose from 91,200 to 108,000 pesos between 2021 and 2024. The Colombian Pharmaceutical Industry Association reported this 18.4 percent increase in out-of-pocket expenses. The rise follows a court ruling that has impacted medicine usage and accessibility. Household spending on medicine in Colombia has increased by 18.4 percent. The cost has reached 108,000 pesos, representing an 18.4 percent increase. The report noted that candidates offering continuity in leadership have historically performed well in elections. The discussion included historical context regarding presidential elections in 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2014. The source did not specify the exact monetary value of the increase in the provided segment.

The Bogota Council has requested stricter control and surveillance measures for over 2,000 delivery workers. These workers are reportedly linked to recent incidents where groups of delivery personnel allegedly attacked citizens at various locations in Bogota.

The Instituto Nacional de Cancerologicos announced it will stop accepting new cancer patients from Nueva EPS starting May 1. Emergency services will continue to be provided despite the suspension. Hospital San Vicente de Paula advised affected affiliates in Paipa to contact Nueva EPS directly to verify the enabled health service network. Care will be limited to oncological emergencies and children referred from the National Institute of Cancerology. This announcement was made by the institute in Bogota. The facility primarily serves patients from lower socioeconomic strata. This decision follows recent announcements regarding the institute's operational capacity. The move is expected to impact patient access to specialized care. The suspension follows an outstanding debt from the EPS to the Institute exceeding 125 billion pesos.

A movement in Soacha, south of Bogota, is investigating allegations that individuals presented as combatants were actually civilians. The movement claims a series of irregularities involving the disappearance of workers and young people.

Rizeralda won one silver and one bronze medal at the national track cycling championship in Bucaramanga. The event featured pre-juvenile and juvenile categories for Colombian cycling prospects. The athlete is coached by William Palacios.

Prosecutors are investigating a suspected money laundering case in Colombia involving assets potentially exceeding 730 billion pesos. The case also includes allegations of illicit enrichment totaling more than 430 billion pesos. The prosecutor's office has reportedly presented seizure requests as part of the ongoing investigation. Prosecutors are investigating a potential case of culpable manslaughter following the death of a young man on March 14. Authorities are investigating the direct responsibility of the EPS health provider. The case involves a lack of resource flow for accessing the key medication. An alert has also been issued in Tolima due to resource shortages. Prosecutors are investigating allegations that government contracts were directed to entities like Invías and risk management agencies to benefit specific congressmen.

Urban music artist Ryan Castro sold out all tickets for his upcoming concert at El Campín stadium in Bogota. The concert is scheduled for October 31. Ticket prices reportedly included options such as 600,000 and 364,000 pesos, with VIP boxes priced at 25 million pesos.

Police and prosecutors in Cartagena have released an updated poster featuring the faces of the most wanted individuals for homicide. Authorities are offering a reward of 20 million pesos for information leading to their location.

Colombian police and soldiers captured guerrilla leader Jose Vitanco in an operation on Saturday. Colombian police and soldiers arrested Jose Vittonco in the southwest of the country. Vittonco is the leader of a cocaine smuggling group with alleged links to Ivan Mordisco, a criminal who rejected the 2016 FARC peace deal. The arrest occurs as Colombians prepare for a presidential election in May. Search crews and volunteers are currently combing through 20 square kilometres of rough terrain on foot. The arrest follows ongoing efforts to locate missing persons in the area. Colombian authorities captured Jose Vittonco in Cacibillo. Vitonco is accused of orchestrating a highway assault in southwest Colombia on Saturday. Images released by authorities show Vittonco wearing a bulletproof vest while being escorted by heavily armed police.

Approximately 200 hippos are roaming freely in the Magdalena Medio region of Colombia. The comments come amid discussions regarding a planned cull of the hippos by Colombian authorities.