Keywords
Colombian Healthcare System; Law 100; Policy Recommendations; Global Health Models; Colombia
Abstract
In 1993, the last health reform “Law 100” was introduced in Colombia. It has been over 30 years since its implementation, and there have been many changes to the healthcare system in Colombia ever since. The policy increased health insurance coverage to almost 95% of the population, providing better and more affordable patient care. However, increasing the availability of resources does not necessarily make them accessible to all of Colombia’s residents. This study aims to analyze the outcomes of “Law 100” to the system and studies critical obstacles that halt healthcare equity in Colombia, particularly for those in rural and low-income populations. Disparities in access to quality healthcare, a shortage of healthcare professionals, and insufficient preventative measures are persisting problems that have challenged the Colombian healthcare system. In addition, this study explores models from Brazil, Thailand, and Finland, which have healthcare systems similar to Colombia's and have faced and overcome comparable concerns. Based on these successful models, policy recommendations adapted to fit the Colombian healthcare system include implementing community-based healthcare teams, creating educational incentives for healthcare workers in underserved areas, and launching public health prevention campaigns. This study offers actionable improvements for Colombian policymakers to reduce healthcare disparities and develop a fairer system for all citizens.
Thesis Completion Year
2024
Thesis Completion Semester
Fall
Thesis Chair
Lee, Yen-Han
College
College of Medicine
Department
Health Sciences
Thesis Discipline
Health Sciences
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Marin, Marian, "Health Equity Policy In Colombia: Improving Equal Access To Health Care Services For Individuals With Low-Income" (2024). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 206.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/206
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Health Services Administration Commons, International Public Health Commons
Rights Statement
