Proactive participation of the Rum people in the Colombian health system

he Ministry of Health and Social Protection In the midst of its participatory strategies with the ethnic peoples, it will provide the necessary guarantees so that during the month of December 2023, the process of prior, free and informed consultation of Bill No. 339 of 2023, Health Reform, with the Rum people takes place. . This initiative will collect contributions from the community according to its autonomy, culture, uses and customs.

According to the Danish census, there are currently 2,649 people in Colombia belonging to the Rum people. This category gains special importance in the context of the right to health, as it is considered vulnerable. The presented figure highlights the need to pay attention to the characteristics of this ethnic group in the design and implementation of health policies and services, with the aim of effectively meeting their needs.

It is worth noting that all members of the Rum ethnic group are considered victims of the armed conflict in Colombia. This recognition is based on the violation of their Bedouin traditions, which has led them to adopt forms of sedentary settlement that conflict with their traditional way of life. This change has had major impacts on its cultural wealth, as well as on its uses, customs, crafts and traditions.

Rom people in building a new health system

On December 1 and 2, the National Dialogue Committee of the Rum People was held, in which various government agencies participated, such as the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Ministry of Interior, and the Board of Grievances.

Representatives of various Kumpañy, organizations of the Roma people, from different regions of Colombia were also present, including Bogotá, San Pelayo, Sahagun (Córdoba), Sabanalarga (Atlántico), Envigado (Antioquia), Ataco (Tolima), and Giron (Santander). , Cúcuta (Norte de Santander), Sambues (Sucre) and Pasto (Nariño), in addition to the two Roma organizations in the country. The purpose of this meeting was to learn about the Roma community’s proposals regarding the health system reform project.

At this meeting, Mensalud paid attention to the concerns expressed by this ethnic group regarding various aspects of health system reform. These topics included the preventive, predictive and critical health model, comprehensive and integrated networks, as well as regional health teams and primary health care centers (CAPS). In this way, the dialogue focused on understanding the views and proposals of the Roma community regarding these specific elements of the health system.

Likewise, representatives of the Roma people highlighted the vital importance of intercultural care that is compatible with their uses and customs. They stressed the need to conduct this care while respecting and acknowledging cultural differences. Moreover, they highlighted the importance of training and active participation of human talents of the Roma community in the field of health, which reflects the search for a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach within the health system, adapted to needs and specificities. Gypsy community.

At the end of the day, a timetable was set for the consultation process in the regions, which will culminate at the end of December. During this time, the professional and traditional teams of both Company and Roma organizations will guide the people belonging to this city to produce a document that reflects their opinion regarding the health reform project.

In this way, the Ministry of Health will be able to promote processes of improving care through a differential and regional approach, dignity of life, promoting equality and access to the entire country.