Controversial appointment: New Asmet Salud interventor previously investigated for negligence at Medellín hospital

The National Superintendency of Health, under the direction of Daniel Quintero, has appointed Mario Fernando Córdoba Pérez as the new interventor for Asmet Salud EPS, sparking significant controversy. This decision replaces Jessica Milena Aguirre Santana and Laín Eduardo López Martínez, who were removed from their posts.

Córdoba's appointment has drawn sharp criticism due to his past tenure as manager of the Hospital General de Medellín (HGM). During his leadership, the hospital experienced administrative crises, faced numerous complaints, and became the subject of ongoing investigations by national oversight bodies.

One of the most criticized aspects of Córdoba's management at HGM involves allegations of irregularities in contracting. The Superintendency of Health has officially ordered Córdoba's intervention in Asmet Salud, tasking him with managing its assets and ensuring the continuity of services for thousands of affiliates, as well as rectifying its financial management.

However, the appointment is overshadowed by a specific case investigated by the Attorney General's Office. While the HGM was reportedly facing severe financial difficulties, including delayed payments to specialists and shortages of basic supplies, Córdoba's administration prioritized a costly contract for a "vertical garden" on the hospital's facade. This decision has drawn severe criticism regarding the allocation of scarce public funds towards non-essential architectural improvements while patient care was compromised.