The Health Component of the State of Santander´s Developmental Plan “Santander Unites Us”

Abstract

Introduction: With the dispatch of Resolution 0429 of 2016, the Colombian government concluded a reform process that retains the insurance healthcare system introduced with Law 100 of 1993 intact, and strengthens the role of health insurance companies (denominated in Colombia by EPS for its initials in Spanish). This Resolution establishes the new “Policy on Comprehensive Healthcare” (PAIS) which must be included in regional development plans and implemented by local health authorities. Thus it is important to analyze the health component of the State Developmental plans. Objective: To examine the health component of the Santander State Developmental Plan and promote the discussion, analysis and debate about public health policy. Discussion: The epidemiological indicators are not used to define a clear health profile of the department; furthermore, the health strategies proposed do not target the aims of the health component in the State plan. In fact, the main health programs and interventions are basically designed to be subject to financial intermediation by the health insurance companies and to establish services contracts with private operators. Conclusions: It is possible to predict that even if most of the goals and indicators proposed in the plan are reached, they will not have a significant impact on the health of Santander State´s population. [Useche-B. The Health Component of the State of Santander´s Developmental Plan “Santander Unites Us”. MedUNAB 2016; 19 (1): 33-39]