Education and prevention in health care

Today in class we discussed about education and prevention in health care. As a future doctor, I think the Chilean health-care system may, and should be changed, it is inefficient in many issues, including education and prevention in health. In my opinion these issues are very important. I believe that they are the foundation of a good health system. Therefore in order to observe a significant improvement, it is necessary to address these issues from the individual to the state. Each of the social agents (individual, family and state) have an important role in education and prevention, but their individual functions are not enough, they must work together to achieve the goal. For example, the individual has the duty to inform himself, the family has the mission to educate their children (it is a primary socialization agent) and the state must create the instances to reach that objectives. To promote education and prevention in health is therefore necessary that each of the agents becomes aware of their role, and that also fulfill that role.

In my position I can do a lot to help people improve their health. The physician has a strong educational role; he/she provides education in each treatment. This education is given to individuals and families. On the other hand, the doctor may also be involved in the creation of public policies, including the one where the state is participating.

In summary, the Chilean health system should be improved, and it is in our hands to make this happen soon.