O’Higgins Health Seremi Commemorates 100 Years of Health and Social Security in Chile – 2024-09-10 15:06:58

In 2024, Chile celebrates 100 years of health and social security, marking a historic milestone in the protection of workers’ rights. With the creation in 1924 of the Ministry of Hygiene, Assistance and Social Security, the Workers’ Insurance and the Private Employees’ Fund, Chile established itself as a pioneer in South America in terms of social welfare, establishing the foundations for a more just and equitable society.

In commemoration of this significant anniversary, the Seremi de Salud of O’Higgins, together with the Health Service and the collaboration of different Family Health Centers of the Health Division of the Cormun Rancagua, organized a services fair in the Plaza Los Héroes de Rancagua.

During this activity, attendees were able to learn more about the various health benefits, in addition to receiving guidance on health issues. The Seremi of Health of O’Higgins, Dr. Carolina Torres Pinto, highlighted the importance of this commemoration: “We are celebrating 100 years since the first insurance in the workplace. In 1924, the foundations of social security in work and health were laid. These milestones have allowed us to have a solid tradition in public health today. In our region, for example, we have more than 90% coverage for drinking water, although there is still work to be done in access to basic sanitation in rural areas.”

Torres Pinto also highlighted the achievements in Public Health over the course of the century, mentioning milestones such as the National Immunization Program, established in 1978, and the introduction of complementary feeding with half a liter of milk, promoted by President Salvador Allende. “These advances have allowed us to obtain outstanding results in the health field at an international level, of which we are proud,” said the regional minister.

Other regional authorities were also present at the event. Jaime Gutiérrez, director of the O’Higgins Health Service, highlighted the progress made in the region over these 100 years. “We have a network of 15 hospitals and we are responsible for the health of 85% of the population of O’Higgins. Promoting healthy habits is our priority, and this event is an opportunity to show everything that is done in health in our region,” said Gutiérrez.

For his part, Jaime Chamorro, regional minister for Labor and Social Security of O’Higgins, stressed the historical relevance of the laws enacted in 1924, which for the first time consolidated labor security and protection against work accidents and social security diseases. “This centenary enriches the history of the struggle of the union movement in Chile.”
Finally, Daniela Cabrera, regional director of the O’Higgins Labor Directorate, highlighted her institution’s commitment to the oversight of labor rights, emphasizing that 2024 also marks the centenary of the Labor Directorate. “It is an emblematic year, which reinforces our work in the protection of the rights of workers and the union world,” she said.

The event, which included various health promotion activities, served as a reminder of the long road traveled in Chile in terms of health and social security, and of the constant commitment of institutions to continue advancing in these key areas for the well-being of the population.