Colombian Woman's Harrowing Journey for Healthcare Highlights System's Shortcomings

In Ibagué, Colombia, Mayra Alexandra Pinzón faces a daily battle for survival. Diagnosed with a rare lung disease, she lacks consistent access to adequate healthcare. Her journey involves arduous bus trips to Bogotá, carrying an oxygen tank, often resulting in unmet medical needs. "It's agonizing to be on the street in my condition," she shares. Sanitas, her EPS (healthcare provider), released a statement acknowledging the situation and assuring efforts to resolve the transport and medication issues. The case highlights systemic challenges in providing healthcare to those with rare illnesses in Colombia.