The Design of a Public Health Care System: The Case of Chile

Abstract

The concept of “health care system” is defined and, in the context of health policy formulation, it is differentiated vis a vis the concept of “health care model”. The structural aspects of a system are briefly described. It is suggested that the public health care system of Chile be designed on the substratum of the three main geodemographic situations (GDS) that exist in the country: large cities, intermediate cities and semi-rural agglomerations. Each GDS should be matched with a typical health care subsystem modality made up of typical units or facilities. For the particular combination of GDSs existing in each region a combination of modalities is required; this combination constitutes the regional health care network. This pattern is based on the residential location of the population. It is the most important organizational criterion for the health care system (also for other systems); but an occupational basis and a schools system basis are also recognized. The position, functions and resources of each facility within the system should be defined, taking into account their complementarities and interactions.