[Origin, development, and perspectives of public health institutions in Chile]

This review gives information about the origin and development of the Public Health organisms in Chile, particularly the National Health Service, outstanding governmental health institution created in 1952, whose achievements were favored by the coordinated support of the University and the Chilean Medical Association. At the present time, their work is carried on by the National System of Health Services. The National Health systems have contributed to the improvement of population's health conditions, specially of the most vulnerable groups. Among other accomplishments, the life expectancy of the Chilean population has increased from 57 years in 1960 to 1972 years in 1990, and the general and infant mortality rates decreased from 12.6 to 6/1000 and from 120.5 to 16/1000 respectively. In the same period, the system has increased the coverage of its programs, specially those addressed to technical assistance of delivery, responsible parenthood, healthy child control, vaccinations, complementary feeding and sanitary education. The main limitation to the system's actions has been the restricted availability and the unequal distribution of resources assigned to health (about US$ 100 per capita). It is postulated that the implementation of a new Health and Social Welfare System (in study at the present time) should improve the efficiency and solidarity of health care.