Public Health Policy in Ecuador

Ecuador's political evolution in recent years has been characterized by enhanced investment in the social sector, based on the concept of "Good Living", the main horizon in the Government's action, as reflected in the new Constitution of 2008 and the National Plan 2009-2013. Social policy is part of the recovery of the State's role, of the principles of solidarity, universal coverage and free delivery of key services that are viewed as public goods rather than merchandise, securing rights for effective citizenship building (education, health, social protection and security), and guaranteeing access to, and promotion of, sustainable good living spaces (housing, water and sanitation, healthy and safe environments). In the same vein, the Constitution has set the legal framework for the National System of Social Inclusion and Equity, which includes health. The Unified System of Basic Health Care corresponds to an integrated system for the first level and a public integrated network of second and third levels is suggested, with functional integration through service exchange among the actors that are still autonomous.