Logros en equidad del sistema de salud y la reforma en Colombia

Abstract

This document presents a description of the achievements of the Colombian healthcare system and some problems and proposals, in a context in which the government presented the health reform that would modify various aspects. In the first place, it is possible to affirm that the healthcare system has contributed to having almost universal insurance coverage, lower spending by affiliates and, even, financial protection for households. In addition, analyzing the Quality of Life Survey from 1997 to 2019, it is observed that visits to the doctor for prevention have increased, there is a better perception of the system quality and a better perception of the health condition. However, some problems are also identified, such as inequalities in supply and access, insufficient resources in the system, and weaknesses in the institutional structure of the sector, which can be explained by lack of progress in care models, lack of physical infrastructure and human talent in health and low operational capacity in the sector. Also, some recommendations are proposed considering the size of the municipalities according to the number of inhabitants, ranging from the proper implementation of the integrated care and primary health care models to regulatory changes that guarantee the financial system sustainability.