Doctors affected by earthquake make requests to the Government on August 20.

On August 20, 2026, the Colombian Medical College requested the national Government to adopt protection measures for doctors and other healthcare workers affected by the earthquake that occurred on August 10. The petition was addressed to the Presidency of the Republic, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Labor due to the difficulties faced by healthcare personnel in the areas hit by the tremor.

Situation of healthcare professionals in the affected areas

According to the association, the total or partial closure of some Health Service Provider Institutions and State Social Enterprises prevented several workers from continuing to provide their services. This situation also caused an interruption in the income of these professionals, especially those linked through service provision contracts or outsourcing mechanisms.

Protection measures and job stability

Among the proposals presented is guaranteeing job stability for those with this type of contracting and creating monthly subsidies or economic benefits while the effects of the emergency last. The association also asked to establish relief on contributions to the comprehensive social security system, preventing those affected from losing coverage during the recovery period.

Affected departments and scope of regulations

The organization recalled that the declaration related to the emergency covered departments such as Antioquia, Caldas, Cauca, Chocó, Quindío, Cundinamarca, Risaralda, Huila, Valle del Cauca, Tolima, Putumayo, and Norte de Santander. However, the entity assesses that the measures adopted so far have not sufficiently covered workers without a direct employment relationship.

Official circulars and new decrees

The institution referred to Circular 096, dated August 13, 2026, issued by the Ministry of Labor regarding labor and social protection guidelines. However, the association pointed out that an important part of the personnel is linked to private and public institutions through service provision contracts or outsourcing schemes. Therefore, the organization requested the issuance of decrees or circulars with specific mechanisms so that doctors, nurses, and other professionals can maintain their income and social security.

With information from El Colombiano.