Original article: Senadora Karol Cariola califica como «inhumano y macabro» recorte de 14,5% a Ley Ricarte Soto: Exige garantizar recursos

Senator Karol Cariola Slams 14.5% Budget Cut to Ricarte Soto Law: Demands Assurance of Funding

Senator Karol Cariola (PC) from the Valparaíso Region and a member of the Health Commission has called on the government to reverse a budget cut of nearly $28 billion planned for the Ricarte Soto Law in the 2027 budget proposal, challenging the Health Minister’s description of it as mere «technicalities.»

«It is profoundly inhumane and macabre for the government to cut nearly $28 billion from the Ricarte Soto Law and for the Health Minister to reduce it to simple ‘technicalities.’ We are not just talking about numbers; we are talking about people with serious illnesses who depend on this law for access to high-cost treatments,» Cariola emphasized.

The parliamentarian also responded to declarations from Health Minister May Chomali, who claimed that medications would still be guaranteed despite the budget reduction.

«But I ask: How will they guarantee the cost of those medications with 15% less funding? Additionally, there is a fund that has been plagued by financing issues for years, and there is a waitlist for conditions that have not been able to be included under the coverage for years?» questioned Senator Cariola.

Direct Impact on Families

The legislator from the Valparaíso Region highlighted the impact these treatments have on families, recalling that many have «organized fundraisers, gone into debt, and given their all to improve the quality of life for their loved ones.»

«We are talking about those who undergo long, costly, and painful treatments, and until now, the only light they have had is the Ricarte Soto Law,» Cariola added.

At this point, the PC parliamentarian criticized statements made by Minister Daniel Mas, who stated that the national budget «must include pain.»

«With a decision like this, the government is telling families facing severe illnesses to bear those pains themselves. That is deeply inhumane. This fiscal adjustment cannot be made at the expense of those who need treatments to survive,» she stressed.

Finally, Senator Cariola directly challenged the Health Minister and the Executive: «We demand that they reverse this cut and guarantee the resources needed for the Ricarte Soto Law. Health should not be a gamble.»

We will continue to provide updates.