Dr. Juan Carlos Velasco Guerrero was confirmed as Minister of Health and sworn in before President José María Balcázar, joining the cabinet led by Prime Minister Luis Enrique Arroyo Sánchez, according to a March 17 announcement. This appointment comes as part of the transitional government ahead of the April 2026 elections.
The confirmation of Velasco Guerrero is significant for Peru’s health sector, as it signals continuity in public health policies during a period of political transition.
Velasco Guerrero began his term as Minister of Health in March 2026 and has focused on three main priorities: increasing vaccination coverage to protect against preventable diseases, ensuring access to essential and tracer medicines, and promoting the National Network of Health Technologies (RENETSA).
His professional background includes a doctorate in Public Health and a master’s degree in Health Services Administration. He is a specialist in Internal Medicine with extensive experience in public service. Velasco Guerrero previously served as executive president of the National Institute of Health (INS) and superintendent at the National Superintendency of Health (SUSALUD). He also held leadership roles at Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza, Hospital de Emergencia Ate Vitarte, the Municipality of Callao’s health department, and directed the CONTIGO program at the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion.
Additionally, he was general director at both the Directorate for Comprehensive Health Care and Integrated Networks within the Institute for Health Services Management (IGSS), and at Lima City’s Directorate of Health.
According to the statement, “His confirmation to the Cabinet symbolizes strengthening public health policies with an emphasis on efficient resource management, transparency, and expanding accessible and humanized health services.” The government expects these efforts will continue to shape Peru’s healthcare system during this transitional period.
