Using Local Government Power Against Ultraliberal Health Policy
In Latin America globalization is equivalent to ultraliberal economic and social policies. In the health field a reform to establish a market driven health care system has been underway during the last six years. The conservative federal government elected last year is speeding up this reform promoting private HMOs, introducing freedom of choice in compulsory public social security, maintaining a minimum of free services for the uninsured and a very low budget. By contrast the left government of Mexico City has made a radical redistribution of its budget increasing the resources dedicated to health by 67 per cent. The objective for the coming six years is to grant free primary and secondary services and drugs to the uninsured population through the strengthening and expansion of the public health sector. The contrast between the federal and local policies is the expression of two opposing political projects: one favoring large financial groups and the other responding to popular needs.
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Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.