HIC, the first entity in Santander certified in comprehensive adult cancer care

The International Hospital of Colombia (HIC) in the department of Santander has just received certification as a Functional Unit for Comprehensive Adult Cancer Care (UFCA) from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

This recognition confirms that HIC offers a comprehensive, continuous, and operational pathway that brings all stages of cancer treatment together in one place: medical evaluation, diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and palliative care . This model eliminates administrative and logistical barriers, reduces time, and improves the patient experience at every stage of their care.

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The certification makes HIC the first institution in Santander and the third in the country to achieve this distinction, positioning it as a national benchmark in cancer management with a humane, decisive, and patient-centered approach.

“Since its inception, the HIC Cancer Institute was conceived as a comprehensive center. Today, that purpose has been realized and is at the service of those who need dignified, rapid, and uninterrupted care. This is a collective achievement, the fruit of the daily commitment of those of us who work dedicatedly to excellence in clinical management,” said Sandra Rocío Ortiz, HIC manager.

The organization stated that it is important to mention that the recognition was granted after a rigorous evaluation process, which included technical visits from the Departmental Health Secretariat and the Ministry of Health. Both entities verified compliance with national standards in infrastructure, human talent, and healthcare processes, in accordance with the competencies established in Law 1384 of 2010 (the Sandra Ceballos Law), which recognizes cancer as a public health priority, defines the guidelines for comprehensive care, and certifies specialized institutions.

According to Diego Gómez Abreo, medical director of the HIC Cancer Institute, the establishment of the first UFCA in Santander guarantees ongoing support from an interdisciplinary team comprised of general practitioners and specialists, oncologists, psychologists, nutritionists, social workers, palliative care professionals, and nursing staff. The latter plays an essential role as the model's "navigator": professionals organized by cancer type who guide patients from the moment of diagnosis to recovery, coordinating appointments, procedures, and follow-ups with a humane and decisive approach. Currently, the model is available to patients affiliated with EPSs with a current agreement with HIC. However, this certification represents a strategic opportunity for more insurers to establish partnerships with institutions that ensure comprehensive, continuous, and high-quality care. For EPSs, it is a reliable alternative aligned with the standards required by the health system, which contributes to the effective fulfillment of their responsibilities to cancer patients.

According to Elsa María Serpa, Director of Clinical Management at HIC, the HIC UFCA offers comprehensive care for multiple pathologies, including breast cancer, the most common cancer at the institution, as well as thyroid, lung, stomach, colon, prostate, kidney, and cervical cancer.

It also covers hematological diseases such as acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, and Hodgkin lymphoma, with a comprehensive and specialized approach for each diagnosis.

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