The compatibility of positions at ASSE returned to the political agenda after the Transparency and Public Ethics Board (Jutep) received a query about the situation of the president of the State Health Services Administration, Álvaro Danza.
The official, appointed by the new Yamandú Orsi administration with the approval of the Senate, continues his practice as an internist for two private mutual insurance companies: the Spanish Association and the Uruguayan Medical Association. According to press reports, it is even possible to schedule an appointment with him through these institutions' digital platforms.
The information was broadcast on the program Así nos va on Carve radio, where it was detailed that Danza sees patients for two hours on Tuesdays at the Española hospital and for three hours on Wednesdays at the Médica Uruguaya hospital.
In previous statements, Danza stated that his private sector activities were already listed in the resume submitted to Parliament for approval of his position. Furthermore, ASSE clarified that he is a fifth-grader at the University of the Republic and a consultant for several institutions, and that before taking office, he consulted with the Delpiazzo law firm.
The report, signed by Carlos Delpiazzo, concluded that there were no incompatibilities, given that the role of consulting physician in private providers has no direct relationship with ASSE. However, it recommended expanding the consultation to the Legal Division of the University of the Republic and Jutep.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Public Health issued a report also stating that there was no violation of Article 9 of Law 18.161, which would allow Danza to maintain its two functions.
Even so, after the case became known, both the White and Colorado legislators called for the leader's resignation. Both President Orsi and the Minister of Public Health, Cristina Lustemberg, publicly supported him, arguing that the technical reports were conclusive.
For now, the decision on the compatibility of positions at ASSE will depend on the analysis carried out by Jutep, the body responsible for ruling on potential ethical or administrative incompatibilities in the public sector.
