Peru Fines Private Hospital for Leaking Shakira’s Medical Records After Canceled Lima Show

Shakira's Inspiring Acceptance Speech at Premios Juventud 2023 Leaves Audience Feeling Empowered
Credit: CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wiki Commons

The Colombian singer Shakira was hospitalized in Lima this past February after experiencing severe abdominal pain, prompting her to cancel one of two planned performances at the Estadio Nacional. While fans awaited updates on her condition, the details of her medical diagnosis began circulating on social media within hours of her admission. The leak, which included private information from her medical chart, now carries serious consequences for the clinic involved.

Health Authority Responds to Breach of Privacy

The Superintendencia Nacional de Salud, known as SuSalud, issued a formal penalty on Wednesday against Clínica Delgado-Auna for violating medical confidentiality standards by releasing private health data related to the artist’s hospitalization. The fine amounts to 125 Unidades Impositivas Tributarias, or approximately 188,000 U.S. dollars. Authorities classified the violation as a serious infraction against the right to privacy, dignity, and medical discretion, which are safeguarded by the Reglamento de Infracciones y Sanciones of SuSalud.

According to the agency, the medical provider failed to uphold professional standards required of all health personnel. “The contractor (doctor) must comply with data protection standards, confidentiality policies, and other guidelines of the clinic. We count on your commitment to continue providing consistent and quality care, and together protect life to live it better always,” read an official statement from the clinic addressing the incident.

Legal Protections for Medical Data Violated

In addition to breaching internal protocols, the clinic’s actions defied the Ley de Protección de Datos Personales, the General Health Law, and the Peruvian Constitution. These statutes collectively guarantee every patient’s right to medical privacy and restrict the disclosure of health information without consent.

SuSalud’s decision to impose such a significant fine reflects the government’s growing concern over data security within healthcare institutions. It also serves as a warning to clinics and hospitals across the country. “The Superintendence will continue monitoring compliance with rules related to the protection of medical data at all health centers in the country,” the authority stated.

Shakira to Return for Rescheduled Concerts in Lima

Despite the setback earlier in the year, the singer is expected to return to Peru in November for two shows at the Estadio Nacional. The new dates, scheduled for November 15 and 16, are part of her ongoing world tour titled Las mujeres ya no lloran. The artist from Barranquilla will resume her tour with the same energy that has defined her decades-long career.

Although the breach of her personal records raised serious questions about patient rights in Peru, Shakira’s upcoming shows appear set to draw thousands, many of whom stood by her after her sudden hospitalization. The incident has not slowed momentum for the tour, which continues to sell out across Latin America and beyond.

For Image credit or remove please email for immediate removal - info@belatina.com