Peruvian Health Authorities Investigate Shakira’s Medical Records Leak
Lima, Peru – Peruvian health authorities have launched an investigation into the Lima clinic where Colombian superstar Shakira was hospitalized over the weekend for abdominal pain, following the leak of her medical records.
The 48-year-old Latin music icon was admitted to the hospital Saturday night, forcing her to cancel a concert scheduled for Sunday. However, she was able to take the stage Monday night, resuming her world tour.
The release of her medical records on social media prompted the National Superintendence of Health (Susalud), the agency responsible for overseeing the country’s health system, to open an investigation.
Staff at Lima’s Delgado Auna Clinic were questioned and the facility inspected on Monday, Ruby Cabas, a spokeswoman for the Peruvian agency, told AFP. While the law does not allow for the clinic to be closed for this type of offense, Susalud can impose a fine of up to 1.6 million soles (approximately $430,000), she said.
"There was a blatant public violation; everyone saw it, and what happened to her can happen to any patient," she added, noting that the agency has had "no contact or communication" with any representative of the artist. She assured that the investigation will be "conducted with the utmost speed and transparency."
In a statement, the clinic announced that it has initiated "the sanctioning process against those found responsible for this serious ethical breach."
Shakira’s World Tour Resumes After Hospitalization
The singer kicked off her first world tour in seven years on February 11 in Rio de Janeiro, promoting her latest album, "Las mujeres ya no lloran" ("Women Don’t Cry Anymore"). She received a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album in the lead-up to the tour.
Shakira is scheduled to perform nearly 50 concerts through late June, traveling across Latin America, the United States, and Canada.
Privacy Concerns Raised
The leak of Shakira’s medical records has raised concerns about patient privacy and the ethical obligations of healthcare providers.
Cabas emphasized that Susalud "rejects the violation of the privacy of any patient" and that the investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the leak and identify those responsible.
The incident has sparked discussions about the need for stricter regulations and consequences for healthcare professionals who breach patient confidentiality.
Clinic’s Response
The Delgado Auna Clinic has condemned the leak and expressed its support for Shakira’s privacy. In its statement, the clinic stated that it "fully respects the privacy of our patients" and that it is "cooperating fully with the authorities to investigate this matter."
The clinic also reiterated its commitment to patient safety and the provision of high-quality medical care.
Wider Implications
The investigation into Shakira’s medical records leak has wider implications for the protection of patient privacy in Peru and beyond. As healthcare providers increasingly rely on digital systems to store and manage patient information, the risk of data breaches and privacy violations grows.
The incident highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures, ethical guidelines, and strong regulatory oversight to safeguard patient information and uphold the trust between healthcare providers and their patients.
