Peru’s EsSalud to allow round-the-clock family visits
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Zulema Tomás, the president of Peru’s EsSalud health insurance system, announced that hospitalised patients will be able to receive continuous, 24/7 visits from family members.
EsSalud will develop regulations within 30 days to implement this policy, which aims to improve the humaneness of healthcare. The decision follows the publication of Ministerial Resolution N.° 300-2026-TR, declaring patient-centered care a sector priority and directing EsSalud to regulate family accompaniment during hospital stays.
Tomás explained that allowing family members to stay with patients will likely speed up recovery and give them insight into the dedication of medical staff. Previously, some EsSalud facilities already permitted family visits at the discretion of local administrators, but this new rule will standardise the practice across all EsSalud hospitals. Regulations will address how to accommodate visits in different hospital areas, including intensive care units and operating rooms, with specific consideration for infection control in vulnerable patients.
EsSalud also recognises the emotional needs of patients and families, as relatives often wait for hours outside hospitals without knowing their loved ones’ condition. Tomás cited the example of the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño San Borja, where parents can spend much of the day with children in intensive care. She also noted that the Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, with 159 emergency beds but over 400 patients, will need to consider capacity when implementing the new policy.
EsSalud currently has over 7,000 patients awaiting organ transplants.
