Trajectory of the privatization of the Chilean health system (1924- 2005)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyze the historical trajectory of the public/private formation of the Chilean Health System, between 1924 and 2005. The main reforms, key stakeholders and the socio-political context of these reforms were identified. Integrative literature review was used as data collection method. The most important results obtained were the following: the structural reconversion of the system -which until the middle of the 20th century was a pioneer system in Latin America due the integration of several institutions in just one national entity, which it led the health policies in Chile based on the Social Medicine principles; during and after the dictatorship the system was consolidated as a dual system, in which the public sector is the majority and provides health care services for large segments of the population that are considered as ‘unprofitable’ by the private insurance companies. Another result was the continuity of this matrix, even during the so-called center-left wing governments, which demonstrates how deep the transformations imposed by the dictatorship have been. To know the details of these privatizing strategies is useful and valuable for Brazil given the current circumstances of reversal of the hard-won gains made.