A qualitative study on health care to chronically ill people in Popular Health Insurance program

Objective. To examine health care provided to chronically ill people in the Popular Health Insurance (Seguro Popular) from the perspective of patients and health professionals. Materials and methods. A qualitative study was carried out in Guadalajara, Mexico. 40 chronically ill people, and 14 health professionals of primary health centers participated in the study. Information was gathered using semi-structured interviews; critical discourse analysis was carried out. Results. Seguro Popular has meant gains and losses to participants. Cronically ill people value it positively since it is perceived as a gift, not a social right. Some obstacles impede participants accessing health care, obtaining medications and analysis. Conflictive relations also cause tensions between patients and health professionals. Conclusion. The initial goals of Seguro Popular are not achieved regarding health care to chronically ill people. The perspectives of sick people should be prioritized.