Abstract

FRANCO-GIRALDO, Álvaro. The latest reform of the Colombian healthcare-related social security system. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2012, vol.14, n.5, pp.865-877. ISSN 0124-0064.

Objective This essay was aimed at exploring and analysing the challenges and opportunities arising from reforming Colombian law 1438/2011 dealing with the healthcare-related social security system. Methods Some outstanding issues from the reform introduced by Law 100/1993 were reviewed and then compared to the 2011 regulations; they were also contrasted (in market model conditions) with some public health strategies which were inoperative during the reform stage. Results This second reform phase was discussed in relation to the scope of the right to health, access and overall equity. Progress regarding important issues such as benefit package equalisation, primary healthcare attention, integrated healthcare service networks was recognised; however, its failure to change core aspects of the system was discussed, i.e. financial sustainability and the economic rationale imposed on the aforementioned strategies which curtailed its responsiveness to keep the model introduced by law 100/1993 intact. Conclusion The crucial points necessary for major structural reform of the Colombian healthcare system based on the right to health and equity were then outlined.

Keywords : Health; Colombia; healthcare system; social security; policy.

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