Abstract
Introduction:
Ecuador initiated a reform in its health system in 2008; however, changes in public health and access to health care in Ecuador generated by the new Constitution have been poorly evaluated and documented.
Objective:
To examine reform of Ecuadorian health system by analyzing some of the areas that have undergone changes as part of this process.
Design:
Observational descriptive research. Relevant articles were retrieved from databases
that included PubMed, Cochra-ne, ScienceDirect and UpToDate; government websites and organizations related to health such as the World Bank, World Health Organization, Pan American Health Organization, Union of South American Nations, among others were consulted.
Results:
The political decision to centralize health planning and management at the central government level was highlighted during this period. Morbidity is increased but there is no increase in prevention. Chronic diseases occupy first places as a cause of death. Maternal mortality remains high and does not reach the goal proposed by the country. There is significant increase in the health budget, but this does not reflect the financial protection of the patients since the out-of-pocket expense is close to 50%.
Conclusion:
The health system of Ecuador does not yet achieve full health objectives that impact on the improvement of health quality and health care. There are also barriers to access comprehensive and timely care and limited financial protection. It is necessary to consolidate information systems that allow access to complete and timely information.
Ecuador initiated a reform in its health system in 2008; however, changes in public health and access to health care in Ecuador generated by the new Constitution have been poorly evaluated and documented.
Objective:
To examine reform of Ecuadorian health system by analyzing some of the areas that have undergone changes as part of this process.
Design:
Observational descriptive research. Relevant articles were retrieved from databases
that included PubMed, Cochra-ne, ScienceDirect and UpToDate; government websites and organizations related to health such as the World Bank, World Health Organization, Pan American Health Organization, Union of South American Nations, among others were consulted.
Results:
The political decision to centralize health planning and management at the central government level was highlighted during this period. Morbidity is increased but there is no increase in prevention. Chronic diseases occupy first places as a cause of death. Maternal mortality remains high and does not reach the goal proposed by the country. There is significant increase in the health budget, but this does not reflect the financial protection of the patients since the out-of-pocket expense is close to 50%.
Conclusion:
The health system of Ecuador does not yet achieve full health objectives that impact on the improvement of health quality and health care. There are also barriers to access comprehensive and timely care and limited financial protection. It is necessary to consolidate information systems that allow access to complete and timely information.
| Translated title of the contribution | Analysis of the Ecuadorian Health System |
|---|---|
| Original language | Spanish |
| Pages (from-to) | 193-204 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Medicina |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 |
| Externally published | Yes |
