Begoña Yarza Salud is leaving after a period marked by controversies and advertisements

Despite the attempts of the Chief of Health to correct the accusation – I sent a new official letter to the prosecution and a letter of apology to Colmed –And the The Guild decided that the most appropriate thing was to take her to the Morality Court.

There was another setback when he announced the advance and lengthening of the winter school holidays, due to the massive increase in viral infections and the high occupancy rate of cribs. Contrary to what Yarza said at the time, the action was taken despite the recommendation against National Committee for Epidemic Response (CNRP).

The then head of the health portfolio made the decision without consulting other ministries such as the Ministry of Women – led by Antonia Orellana – about the impact of the measure on women and caregivers. On that occasion, the president himself called his department for more coordination and the controversy ended even with an impeachment against him by the House of Representatives.

Similarly, from a technical point of view, former ministers Manalich and Paris criticized the measure, noting that there was “no planning” by the executive branch, because since the beginning of the year an increase in the spread of respiratory viruses was expected.

Likewise, Yarza had to contend with power struggles within the ministry, marked by the strong presence of the Democratic Revolution (RD) and former Colmed officials, whose installation caused an additional commotion: the departure of several technicians who held related positions in the portfolio, as was the case with Dr. Cecilia Gonzalez. who was in charge of the National Immunization Program and decided to retire early after being told by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Cristobal Cuadrado, that ‘They don’t give an offer’ She and her team.

However, the doctor wasn’t the only one who left the bag. Camila Gutelli took over the leadership of the national coordination of the health strategy for testing, tracing and isolation in January 2022, but was dismissed on April 7. the reason? Sources consulted by La Tercera reported that the nurse was dismissed while on psychiatric leave. While Cynthia Zavala, the former chief of mental health at Mensal, has submitted her resignation amid the controversy over Valparaiso Hospital.

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Another internal struggle the former health chief had to contend with was the concentration of power. Among those who were in the ministry or some who are still there, confirmed that Undersecretary Cuadrado made the most decisions.

In addition to controversies, the former head of the health file also led important changes in the health system. At the end of June, “Zero Copay” was announced. With this measure – which went into effect on September 1, all Fonasa beneficiaries will not have to pay benefits obtained through the Institutional Care Method (MAI). After that, hospital care (general, dental, mental health) and emergency law or some special program (bariatric surgery or in vitro fertilization) in the public network will not always have a cost.

But this is not the only announcement pointing to health reform: On July 14, the health authorities announced the creation of the National Council for Universal Primary Care. This body is made up of a high-level health committee, composed of former health ministers and a socio-political committee, which includes representatives from the legislature, academia, health workers and system user organizations.