Breaking News: Quillota’s Citizen Dialogue on Universal Primary Health Care
In a significant step towards enhancing community health, Quillota recently hosted its first citizen dialogue on the implementation of Universal Primary Health Care (APS). The event saw massive participation from social leaders, with over 100 attendees sharing their experiences, concerns, and proposals.
Massive Participation and Key Insights
The dialogue, organized by Healthquillota, brought together leaders from both urban and rural sectors, along with authorities and health teams. Notable attendees included Mayor Dr. Luis Mella, Andrea Iñiguez (Director of the Viña del Mar Quillota Petorca Health Service), Dr. Xavier Mendoza (Director of Healthquillota), and Councilor Mauricio Ávila.
During the event, work tables addressed various topics related to access, use, and quality of health services, promoting effective community participation in the APS universalization process.
Authorities Highlight Community Engagement
Mayor Dr. Luis Mella emphasized the importance of community involvement: “We have about 100 leaders participating, expressing the good and bad of the system to improve. That is what the universal APS is about, to open access, but also to participate in the community,” he affirmed.
In line with this, the mayor announced new health initiatives, including the creation of a medical center to increase medical hours and a specialized center for children and adolescents with ASD, showcasing the innovative Quillotano health model.
Fundamental Participation Spaces
Andrea Iñiguez, Director of the Viña del Mar Quillota Petorca Health Service, valued these participation spaces: “Here is the heart of our purposes. In these meetings, we collect the feelings of those who live health from the community. Listening to them allows us to better guide our work,” she pointed out.
Community Voice in Health Policies
Yolanda Fernández Gálvez, a leader from the neighborhood board Ángel Pino Carroza, agreed on the importance of community voice: “Community policies must leave from the bases. It is we, the neighbors, who live access to health every day.”
Participatory Seal of Healthquillota
Dr. Xavier Mendoza, Director of Healthquillota, valued the meeting as part of the participatory seal that has characterized the local model: “Citizen participation has been part of our history and this dialogue is no exception. Listening to people helps us to guide benefits and advance the path of universal APS.”
Community Organizations Engage in Dialogue
Representatives from various community organizations, including neighborhood boards, older adult clubs, health groupings, and local committees, actively participated in the dialogue.
Commitment to a More Human Health System
The meeting reaffirms the commitment of the Municipality of Quillota to the joint construction of a more human, accessible health system tailored to the real needs of the community.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for more breaking news and updates on community health initiatives.
