Analysis of the implementation of health policies: The case of the Isabel Jiménez Riquelme Family Health Centre in Tirúa, Bíobio, Chile

Authors

  • Ninette Sepúlveda Alecoi Universidad Alberto Hurtado

Abstract

This paper analyzes the transformation process of the Isabel Jiménez Riquelme Family Health Centre, located in Chile's VIII region. Through interviews of users and officials, the implementation of public health policies in the town of Tirúa during the period of 2006 and 2011 are evaluated. We conclude that actions taken reflect a "model" of health characterized by a mixture of the biomedical together with elements of the bio-psychosocial, a family-oriented approach, as well as an intercultural approach (applied to Mapuche medicine). We confirm the coexistence of other medical models related to folk medicine, indigenous and self care, with a strong presence of the spiritual or religious dimension.    

Keywords:

Public policies, health, participation.