Peruvian public sector doctors rejected a request by President Ollanta Humala for decree powers from Congress to further inject public funds into private hospitals. They argue that the government's Public-Private Partnership program has already led to the deterioration of the public health system, EsSalud. Under the public-private partnership, which began in 2014, the state redirects US$68 million a year to each private hospital, which for many has not even meant an improvement in services. Complicated medical procedures are left to the overburdened public health system. Given that many view health care as a right, further privatization of such services is likely to lead to major protests. Rael Mora reports from Lima. teleSUR
