The closing of sessions I and II of Module 5 of the Citizen School for the Right to Health course focused on reviewing the mandate and functioning of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS). With an active participation of at least 24 people, knowledge was shared and doubts about the content of the module were resolved.
One of the key points discussed was the mandate of the health system in Guatemala. One of the participants quoted: “It is the obligation of the State to generate the conditions so that the population can improve its health situation”. This statement underlines the state's responsibility in promoting the health and wellbeing of the population.
The reflection continued with the analysis of the two main entities in charge of guaranteeing the right to health in the country: the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) and the Guatemalan Institute of Social Security (IGSS).
Article 17 of the Health Code details the functions of the MSPAS, which include:
- Ensure compliance with international treaties and conventions related to health.
- To develop health promotion, prevention, recovery and rehabilitation actions, and the relevant complementary actions, in order to provide the population with the satisfaction of their health needs.
- Promote and strengthen the participation of communities in the partial or total administration of health actions.
The structure of the Ministry of Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS), described in Article 19 of the Health Code, was also discussed. This article establishes that, at the central level, the MSPAS is responsible for the direction and conduct of health actions, the formulation and evaluation of health policies, strategies, plans and programs, the standardization, surveillance and control of health, and the supervision of the provision of health services.
These sessions not only provided a comprehensive review of the content of the module, but also fostered a space for reflection and critical discussion on the role of the State and institutional structures in the promotion and protection of the right to health in Guatemala.