Algunos elementos de diagnóstico sobre la operación y financiamiento del sector salud en Chile

Abstract

This article describe the health sector in Chile, indicating the role and relative size of each of the sub- systems which form the health sector. The structural changes in the economic model which have led to an important ammount of privatization of the health sector are analyzed; these changes have led to a need to develop strategies which clearly define the relationship between the private and public health sectors, and which would allow adequate planning of each sub system. There are striking differences between the private and public sector in the levels of expenditure and in the services provided. The inadequacies of the "freechoice" subsystem Fonasa are outlined and it is suggested that this should be replaced by a "States Health Insurance with free choice". It is important to note the fact that the public and fiscal expenditure for health has decreased while the individual health insurance contributions have increased. It is suggested that the fiscal support must be increased in order to meet the needs of health care of the population.