Analysis of the political, social and economic context as a base for the professional qualification of the health technician in Latin America

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to highlight the importance of the analysis of the political, social, and economic context to confirm the conceptual framework as the base for the development of the qualification programs for health professionals. The analysis is defined in four moments. The first, ever since the end of the 19th century through the early 20th century, was characterized by being 'physician-centric'. The second, in which the medical administration and data and statistics registration were included, the medical practice gained new dimensions that allowed it to turn into a social, rather than an individual practice. In the third, with the transference of the hospital organization from Europe to America and the incorporation of modern technology, hospitals became part of a medical and social organization with the mission of allowing for medial and sanitary assistance. A fourth took place in the midst of a contradiction between what had progressed in the development of the health systems, with the acknowledgement of the universal rights to health and citizen participation as the subject and object of the care, and the appearance of the neoliberal globalizing trend, which considered the complex process of health care as merchandise.