Family and Community Medicine as the core of Health Systems Universality in Latin America: an exploratory analysis of the region

Abstract

The scope of Universality in service delivery in health care systems is one strategy that has proven to have great impact on global health indicators; this paper explores the situation of Latin American countries in the access to health services and the role of the specialist in Family and Community Medicine as an appropriate strategy to achieve individual, family and community coverage. Objective: To contribute to the development of concepts and practices related to Universality in Primary Care and Family and Community Medicine in Latin America. Methodology: qualitative and quantitative exploratory study by applying an electronic form self-administered survey type with open and closed questions to members of associations of family and community medicine in Latin America, scientific associations, teachers and health managers identified in each country. Results: 63 people from 21countries completed the electronic survey sent, taking a representative sample of Latin American countries; 84% agreed with the concept of universality with focus on Primary Health Care and Family and Community Medicine, 47% agree that the main determinant limiting the scope of the universality in health care is the structure in management and health, followed by finance (36%) and the model of care (30%). Of the total respondents, 67% believe that the main constraint to universal coverage is the structure and health management and 60% felt that national health policies are not focused and prioritized towards universality of the APS and the MFC.