Historical Evolution of Chile's Dual Healthcare System
This article provides a historical overview of Chile's healthcare system, tracing its development from the late 19th century to the present day. It highlights key milestones, including the establishment of the Public Relief Commission in 1886 and the introduction of statutory health insurance for industrial workers in 1924. The text details the creation of the National Health Service (SNS) in 1952 to address coverage gaps for informal and rural workers, followed by the addition of benefits for white-collar employees via Sermena in 1953. A significant restructuring occurred under General Augusto Pinochet’s military regime, which decentralized the SNS in 1975 and transferred primary care to municipalities. The formation of the public National Health Fund (Fonasa) in 1979 and the legalization of private health providers (Isapres) in 1980 established a two-tiered system. This dual structure allowed individuals to opt out of public coverage for private insurance but resulted in widespread inequities and a growing disparity in access to quality healthcare services across different socioeconomic groups in Chile.
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Historical Evolution of Chile's Dual Healthcare System
This article provides a historical overview of Chile's healthcare system, tracing its development from the late 19th century to the present day. It highlights key milestones, including the establishment of the Public Relief Commission in 1886 and the introduction of statutory health insurance for industrial workers in 1924. The text details the creation of the National Health Service (SNS) in 1952 to address coverage gaps for informal and rural workers, followed by the addition of benefits for white-collar employees via Sermena in 1953. A significant restructuring occurred under General Augusto Pinochet’s military regime, which decentralized the SNS in 1975 and transferred primary care to municipalities. The formation of the public National Health Fund (Fonasa) in 1979 and the legalization of private health providers (Isapres) in 1980 established a two-tiered system. This dual structure allowed individuals to opt out of public coverage for private insurance but resulted in widespread inequities and a growing disparity in access to quality healthcare services across different socioeconomic groups in Chile.
Commonwealth Fund