Health secretary: COVID-19, dengue emergency funds end Dec. 31

Health Secretary Carlos Mellado López

By The Star Staff

Health Secretary Carlos Mellado López warned on Monday that emergency funds for COVID-19 or dengue are ending Dec. 31, resulting in the end of some educational campaigns and established programs.

He made the statement during the Incoming Transition Committee hearings in response to questions from former lawmaker Jorge Colberg Toro, a committee member. Mellado said other items could be at risk if the incoming administration does not act.

The health chief spent part of his turn at the hearing reviewing the significant advances in the infrastructure, services and administration of the health system, which he said have established a solid foundation for future administrations, and addressing persistent challenges in equity and financial sustainability.

In general terms, Mellado said, operations were centralized through the acquisition of a new headquarters, modernizing processes and optimizing resources for the benefit of citizens.

The contracting and tender processes were strengthened, guaranteeing transparency in the management of funds, while the general budget of the Health Department was increased by 50%, he said.

Under his leadership, the department officially began the process of obtaining public health accreditation, an unprecedented achievement in the history of the agency, Mellado noted.