A programme for the recovery and improvement of physicians’ contribution to primary health care

Abstract

Background: Chile recognizes the importance of Primary Health Care (PHC) and advances have been accomplished in this field. Nevertheless there is a lack of interest of medical graduates in entering PHC activities and staying there. One reason for this is the restriction resulting from full time work within the municipal administration of the PHC clinics, in comparison with the mainstream of the hospital system, with its possibilities for specialization. Consequences: in PHC there is a quantitative deficit and a revolving door of doctors and clinical effectiveness is low. This results in an excessive utilization of emergency departments and in a degree of insatisfaction among the population. A scheme for improvement: Starting in 2007, the Ministry of Health, jointly with the University of Chile is implementing the “Programme of Basic Specialists for Urban PHC”, which is based on previous national experience. The Programme is here described, with an analysis of its cost and advantages. The results so far are encouraging.