Nueva EPS responds to case of Lucas Murillo, child with heart condition who sought president's help: 'He will receive treatment'

Colombian health provider Nueva EPS has announced it will provide comprehensive care for Lucas Francesco Murillo García, a 7-year-old boy suffering from a severe heart condition. The company's response comes after the child directly appealed to President Abelardo De La Espriella for assistance.

Nueva EPS confirmed via its X account (formerly Twitter) that it has "taken the necessary steps to guarantee the child's comprehensive care." The entity added that, with the family's consent, Lucas "will receive treatment at a specialized institution, where he will have the procedures and care required for his recovery."

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We have taken the necessary steps to guarantee the child's comprehensive care.

Lucas had previously sent a message to President De La Espriella detailing his seven years of life marked by a heart condition, which had already necessitated three open-heart surgeries. He explained that his mother had been trying for a year to get Nueva EPS to authorize necessary tests and a catheterization at a specialized clinic to place him on a heart transplant list.

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I don't want to die. I am very intelligent; I do well in school. I want to keep learning, but if they don't do the transplant soon, I could die.

In his heartfelt plea, Lucas expressed his desire to become a professional and support his family, stating, "I don't want to die. I am very intelligent; I do well in school. I want to keep learning, but if they don't do the transplant soon, I could die." He concluded by referencing the president's slogan, "Firme por la Patria" (Firm for the Homeland).

President De La Espriella responded by issuing an immediate instruction to the Minister of Health, Ana María Vesga, to personally oversee Lucas's case, emphasizing the urgency of his medical needs. Minister Vesga subsequently contacted Lucas's mother, who provided further details about the child's condition and family situation, noting that Lucas has eight siblings and his father is also ill.

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I have given an immediate instruction to the Minister of Health, Ana María Vesga: to personally take charge of the case of Lucas Francesco Murillo García, the 7-year-old boy from Cúcuta who needs urgent medical attention.