The Paillaco SAPU (Primary Care Emergency Service) is currently operating only three days a week due to a lack of funding. Mayor Cristian Navarrete confirmed that the facility is relying solely on municipal resources, which are not enough to sustain the unit’s operations, especially as the city must also address debts carried over from previous administrations.
In July, the annual funding from the Ministry of Health for the Lautaro Caro Ríos CESFAM (Family Health Center) SAPU operation came to an end, creating a series of difficulties for the municipality. As a result, Mayor Navarrete explained that the SAPU had to be financed with municipal funds, underscoring the importance of maintaining the service for the local population.
However, the mayor indicated that it has been unsustainable to keep the unit open five days a week, forcing them to reduce the operating hours to just three days, from 5 PM to 10 PM. According to the mayor, they had to allocate resources to pay for sanctions and lawsuits carried over from previous administrations, amounting to around 85 million pesos that were not budgeted for.
The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that the Paillaco Hospital’s emergency department has only one doctor on staff.
Mayor Calls for Ministry of Health Funding
Faced with this complex situation, the mayor has requested that the Ministry of Health provide full funding for the Primary Care Emergency Service starting next year. The Los Ríos Health Service confirmed that the municipality made this request, but no new resources have been allocated to expand the SAPU’s operations this year.
However, the health authority has asked the Municipal Health Department (DESAM) to provide more information about the population that would benefit from the SAPU’s extended service in Paillaco, which could help determine the annual funding. This information has not been provided yet.
Seeking a Sustainable Solution
The Paillaco SAPU’s reduced operating hours due to budget constraints are a significant concern for the local community. The mayor’s plea for increased government funding highlights the need for a sustainable solution to ensure the primary care emergency service can continue to serve the population effectively. As the municipality works to address the financial challenges, the health authority’s willingness to consider additional support based on the population’s needs offers a glimmer of hope for the SAPU’s future.
