Quiroz justifies health spending cuts, defends management against 'operators, inefficiency, and social fraud'

Chilean Finance Minister Jorge Quiroz defended a 2.5% budget reduction for the health sector, framing it as a necessary rationalization of public spending. Appearing before the Senate Health Commission, Quiroz asserted that the cuts are specifically aimed at "political operators, inefficiency, and social fraud."

Quiroz elaborated that social fraud extends beyond the misuse of medical licenses. He highlighted substantial financial issues within the country, noting that individuals earning over 1.5 million pesos monthly who have not repaid their student loans (CAE) collectively owe the state $800 million. Furthermore, those earning over 1 million pesos owe $1.6 billion.

The minister also pointed to a significant number of "Becas Chile" scholarship recipients, estimated between 20% and 30%, who failed to return to Chile as required after their studies. Quiroz expressed optimism that these measures would lead to greater efficiency in public spending without major disruptions.