09/04/2026
Transforming Peru’s Public Health System: A Call to Action
In a recent discussion with Norman Coronel, I shared a candid assessment of the pressing challenges facing Peru’s healthcare system. Our conversation highlighted critical areas requiring immediate attention:
• Fragmentation of Care: The divide between the SIS and EsSalud creates inefficiencies and hinders effective data sharing.
• Quality vs. Quantity: We must shift from a focus on volume to prioritizing quality healthcare and patient outcomes.
• Centralization Issues: Our over-reliance on large hospitals has neglected the essential strengthening of primary care at the community level.
To address these challenges, I propose the following priorities:
1. Accelerate Digital Transformation: We must implement universal electronic health records linked to national identification and harness AI for enhanced prevention, screening, and vaccination management.
2. Professionalize Leadership: It’s crucial to prioritize experienced, capable professionals over political appointments to ensure effective governance in healthcare.
3. Build Resilience: We need better preparedness for events like El Niño and foster international collaboration—such as the upcoming U.S. Navy medical mission in northern Peru—to enhance our health response capabilities.
My core message is clear: we must transition from micromanagement and public relations-driven leadership to a unified national strategy focused on primary care, innovative technology, and measurable results. Strengthening our health system requires structural clarity, the adoption of digital tools, and a genuine commitment to delivering value to our citizens
Transforming Peru’s Public Health System: A Call to Action I just sat down with Norman Coronel and spoke honestly about the state of healthcare in Peru. The truth is uncomfortable — but necessary: • Our system is fragmented. MINSA SIS and EsSalud operate in silos, creating inefficiencies and b...
