A family is urgently seeking medical transport for their newborn baby, who is currently hospitalized in intensive care in Cartagena, Colombia. The parents protested outside their health insurance provider’s headquarters on Monday, demanding a faster resolution to the transfer process, which they say has been delayed for several days.
The infant was born prematurely at 32 weeks and is receiving care at the E.S.E. Maternidad Rafael Calvo in the Amberes neighborhood. The parents staged a demonstration at the offices of Cajacopi EPS, which now operates as Proteger EPS S.A.S., to appeal for immediate attention for their daughter. Access to timely and appropriate medical care is a critical component of maternal and infant health.
As a form of protest, the baby’s father chained himself to the EPS building in the Santa Lucía area.
Complications During Pregnancy Led to Emergency Delivery
Karoll Bermúdez, the baby’s mother, explained to El Universal that her pregnancy was complicated by a ruptured membrane, requiring an emergency cesarean section. She developed preeclampsia, with her blood pressure reaching 200, necessitating the immediate delivery of the baby. The infant was born at 32 weeks and 6 days gestation and is currently being treated for a respiratory infection in the intensive care unit.
Bermúdez stated that the baby was initially connected to an oxygen cannula, which is no longer needed, but is now experiencing abdominal distension.
“The hospital is requesting a consultation with a pediatric surgeon or a transfer to a clinic with the necessary services,” Bermúdez said, adding that they have been waiting for the EPS to authorize the medical service since Thursday.
Transfer to Barranquilla Clinic Proposed
The family was initially told the baby would be transferred to Barranquilla, but an ambulance never arrived as scheduled on Friday. Bermúdez also learned on Friday that the baby had been accepted at a clinic in Valledupar, but they declined the transfer due to the distance and the infant’s respiratory issues.
She added, “My baby hasn’t eaten for three days and is being fed intravenously. She’s losing weight, and that’s our biggest concern and why we necessitate a solution quickly.”
As of 9:00 a.m. On March 3, 2026, the family was informed that Proteger EPS had authorized the transfer and requested they return to the Maternidad Rafael Calvo immediately. Yet, upon arrival, hospital staff were unaware of the approved transfer to Clínica Portoazul in Barranquilla.
The family is now awaiting an equipped and staffed medical ambulance to transport the baby, including an incubator, oxygen, and specialized medical personnel.
Proteger EPS stated that the patient has not been denied service and that the transfer process is underway. The health insurance provider is expected to release an official statement with more details in the coming hours. Find local health resources here.
