Impact of a Healthcare Model on Universal Access and Service Delivery for Migrant Populations in Colombia

The global escalation of the migration crisis in recent years, rooted in complex factors such as high
unemployment rates, widespread insecurity, and inadequate healthcare systems, has revealed significant
systemic weaknesses. Migrant populations face distinct challenges within the healthcare sectors of host
countries, often intensifying the existing pressures on health systems and leading to a deterioration in the
quality of care. In Colombia, a specialized healthcare model has been established to meet the needs of the
migrant population; however, its sustainability requires substantial and ongoing investment to adequately
respond to the growing demand.This study critically examines the efficacy of Colombia’s healthcare model,
particularly focusing on the services most frequently utilized by migrants, with the objective of validating a
minimum service package that ensures access to healthcare. The data indicate that Colombia’s health system
has allocated over 924 million dollars to healthcare services for foreign nationals within a one-year period,
underscoring the significant financial strain placed on the system. The research highlights the urgent
necessity of developing a tailored benefit plan specifically designed to address the healthcare needs of the
migrant population, thus formalizing targeted health actions that promote public health for both migrants and
residents within Colombia. In conclusion, while the current healthcare model provides access to fundamental
services, including procedural care, emergency treatments, medical consultations, and hospitalizations, there
is a pressing need for further strategic interventions. These measures are crucial to ensuring a
comprehensive, equitable, and financially sustainable healthcare framework that not only meets the specific
needs of the migrant population but also alleviates the economic pressures on the Colombian healthcare
system, ultimately protecting the health of all individuals residing within the national territory.