In recent times it has been noted that one of the objectives of the Mexican health system is to emulate “first world” or developed countries. However, despite frequent references to the concept, it is notable that there is no defined view (both those who propose it and those who comment) on the meaning of the idea.
It is not just about “buying medicines”, “building hospitals” or “hiring doctors”: when we talk about a developed healthcare system, we are referring to a multitude of variables. Which should be integrated and a myriad of needs should be met. , At the end of the day, a system is functional or a quality assessment or load, by evaluating its performance.
One of the first factors to assess is your sensitivity (that is, your ability to perceive changes or modifications in the environment) and your ability to react. Health systems that meet these characteristics are characterized by anticipating circumstances, adapting to current reality, and optimally looking to the future, all within the framework of providing the best health outcomes. They are nations or states that seek and provide resources in a concrete manner, adapting them to the specific conditions and needs of their populations.
Another feature is that appropriate financial contribution is made by the users (and other involved entities) to get quality health services. A measure based on the ability of the nucleus of a family (represented in monetary terms) to spend on health care (which may include taxes, social security, private services) regardless of other abilities to meet the foregoing basic needs is measurement. (food, housing, education, to name a few). A health system cannot be considered adequate if people have to shell out frequently or in large amounts to access health care services.
For the characterization of an efficient system, it is important to assess the general level of health. Although populations have indicators such as mortality or life expectancy, it is a bit more typical to use newer tools such as measuring years of life due to premature death and years of life lost due to disease or disability. Efficient healthcare systems not only allow people to live longer, but also stay healthier.
In the same way, an efficient health system focuses on reducing disparities. Using only estimates of population averages is not sufficient to say “we are fine” and it is necessary to address vicious extremes from injustice (individuals or groups) with interventions that allow them to achieve a fundamental level of well-being. allows.
Finally, a strong health system is efficient in the distribution of funding. Again, justice is what prevails and a good distribution is not only the total resources allocated but the surgical precision of the allocation of these means which, as mentioned earlier, results in reduction of inequalities and improvement in access and opportunity of services.
Unfortunately, the evaluation of our health system does not fully comply with the above definitions, therefore it cannot be considered as a guarantor of social justice. It is then legitimate to demand, at least from those who claim to be pioneers in this field, that they re-integrate the concept of a “first world health system” and leave plans and activities of a serious character. Get down to work with. Passive and limited result generating character with vision and actions truly oriented towards the consolidation of the concept of Total Quality Health System. It’s time.
Dr. Juan Manuel Cisneros Carrasco, Clinical Pathologist. Specialist in laboratory medicine and transfusion medicine, university professor and promoter of voluntary blood donation
