NOV. 1, 2015

Chilean President attends the inauguration of the XXII World Congress of Neurology

President Bachelet emphasized that her Government is working to improve medical treatment for neurological diseases. She announced that a "National Plan for Dementia" is being developed that requires supporting infrastructure and so 15 new Community Mental Health Centers (COSAM) and 15 Day Care Centers are being constructed to support those who suffer from this disease.

The President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, and the Health Minister, Carmen Castillo, this afternoon attended the inauguration of the XXII World Congress of Neurology, which is being held at Casa Piedra in the Chilean capital Santiago from October 31 through November 5. This is a biannual convention organized by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), and brings together neurological societies from 113 countries. It is estimated that over 3,500 professionals, leading scientists and public health experts will participate in this event.

In her speech, the President said that according to figures from the World Health Organization, 6.7 million people died from strokes around the world in 2012. Furthermore, current estimates are that close to 47.5 million people suffer from some type of dementia and that each year there are 7.7 million new cases.

She added that the leading cause of death in Chile is cerebrovascular disease, with 8,100 deaths per annum. Mental disorders are the fourth largest cause of death, and have increased to 3,400 cases per annum. It is estimated that 1.06% of the Chilean population suffers from some type of dementia.
The President emphasized that in 2006 the AUGE or “Explicit Guarantees in Healthcare” program was introduced, which guarantees the treatment of various neurological diseases, such as non-refractory epilepsy, ischemic strokes, subarachnoid hemorrhages, emergency care for moderate to severe head trauma, Parkinson’s disease, and relapse-remission multiple sclerosis.

President Bachelet emphasized that there is still work to be done and emphasized, “my Government is working hard to complete a National Plan for Dementia as soon as possible. This plan demonstrates our strong commitment to making neurological diseases, such as dementia, a priority for our public health system, as suggested by the World Health Organization.”

She added, “this plan not only covers existing treatment in Chile; It also incorporates a logic based on rights, and provides support for patients and their families, while respecting their dignity and promoting quality of life.”

The President explained that this plan aims to prevent these diseases using the current network and programs, by implementing a diagnostic, referral and counter-referral system for patients, and a continuous care system. In addition, the necessary infrastructure requires the construction of 15 new Community Mental Health Centers (COSAM) and 15 Day Care Centers to support people with dementia, who will rely on these Health Centers.

Finally, the President emphasized, “we can assure you that we are making progress with healthcare and disease prevention, which are considered key to building a healthier and more self-aware society. We hope to guarantee healthcare as a right for all, as this is the inescapable duty of our State.”