Antioquia governor accuses Supersalud of political persecution over surprise visit

Antioquia Governor Andrés Julián Rendón denounced a surprise inspection by Colombia's Superintendency of Health (Supersalud) to the department's health secretariat, accusing the recently appointed superintendent, Daniel Quintero, of political persecution. Source: El Colombiano The announcement came on June 29, 2026, just weeks after Quintero – former mayor of Medellín – took charge of Supersalud, a move that has stirred controversy amid ongoing legal troubles and political rivalries.

The accusations

Rendón stated that the inspection was a politically motivated attempt to 'make a lot of damage before leaving' (referring to Quintero's tenure). Source: Infobae He contrasted the timing with the national government's failure to audit intervened EPS entities, which he claimed have accumulated billions in debt. Both Rendón and Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez – a longtime Quintero opponent – supported the narrative of harassment. Gutiérrez warned Rendón: 'watch your wallets. Those are the ones who stole Medellín.' Source: Infobae

Broader context

This is not the first oversight action targeting Rendón's administration; earlier in 2026, Supersalud inspected the Antioquia Liquor Factory (FLA). Analysts point to Quintero's pending trial for embezzlement related to the Aguas Vivas scandal, raising questions about his impartiality. Source: El Colombiano The inspection occurs as tensions run high between the national government and Antioquia over healthcare debt, with the department claiming intervened EPS have left a $7 trillion hole in the system.