Process of transformation toward integrated health networks in Peru

Abstract

Peru's Ministry of Health focuses on achieving the fourfold goal for its health system: seeking to improve the health of the population, a better user experience when using health services, better use of public resources being invested during the last decade, and better job satisfaction for healthcare workers. The enactment of Law 30885 on Integrated Health Networks marks a milestone in the country's effort to meet the care needs of citizens in a network and is the health sector´s proposal to improve the performance of the healthcare system. To this end, key elements for organization and functioning are proposed: identification of the population and families, assignment of liability for care, strengthening of the entry gates to the health system, stratification of individual and family risks, coordination to facilitate access to and use of health services, continuity and complementarity of care, and network governance. This new proposal involves adjustments to the health service network: 12- and 24-hour health facilities (family clinics) for individual care, family care, management of health determinants, and hospitals to supplement care. The model of care will be more complex and difficult to advance if it is not linked to adjustments in the financing, coverage, and management of the cultural change of workers and users of the system, and the health governance system.