This paper presents the process of trans-nationalization of the health systems under international trade agreements and the struggles of the social and health movements in Latin America to defend public and social security health system.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) and Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) reinforce the power of multinational companies in the health system in Latin America. Since the mid-1990s, when the American and European insurance companies and MCOs entered in the health system in Latin America, the evidence shows increased inequity and inequality for the population covered by public and social security health system. In the past five years increasing numbers of people are without health care services. These developments resulted from arbitrary decisions by local and multinational finance capital operating in the public and social security sector.
Brazil and Argentina are of special interest to these companies. Both countries have a large population with the capacity to consume, important public and private health infrastructures, and large numbers of doctors and other health professionals. Both spend a significant percentage of GDP on health care, and the federal governments generally comply with the World Bank policies and with the WTO and the FTAA.
Important international social movements that include community based organizations and labor unions are planning international meetings in South America to demonstrate against these international trade agreements and propose alternatives in order to defend public health and social security systems (Porto Alegre, Brazil, January 2001; Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 2001).
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Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.