[Towards a policy of human resources development for health]

A severe deterioration in numbers and quality of health personnel in health services was observed during the military regime. Due to population growth only, the NHS has experienced an 18% reduction in personnel. Security at the job and on the job training have disappeared. We propose to correct the deficit in personnel over a 4 year period; develop a job assignment system based on progressive training; promote continuing education and fellowships. Primary health care must be emphasized, a national network of outpatient facilities should be developed and health services should be linked to other health facilities. Regional care and teaching programs and the growing of family medicine are also considered. Finally, appropriate curricular modifications are required for the health professions.