Citation:
Abstract:
The debate on long-term care (LTC) and the need of establishing LTC systems have reached global consensus, with international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) encouraging countries to act on these matters. During the past presidential elections in Chile, several candidates made proposals pointing at the need of implementing new solutions to address the increasing demands on care services in the country. These proposals—including LTC, but also other dimensions of care—were novel in the political debate and represent an important step into the adoption of comprehensive responses to LTC needs in Chile. Using the recently launched WHO’s LTC system framework, this article analyzed the proposals made during the 2021 Chilean presidential campaign, identifying areas that are well covered and gaps. Results showed that dimensions such as LTC system’s governance, workforce, and service delivery predominated in the proposals, with important gaps regarding on how to address financing, information, and innovation of the system. Findings are relevant to support the new government’s endeavor in implementing a LTC system in Chile, particularly considering that the establishment of a national care system is one of the main challenges that the new administration has decided to face, and to illuminate other countries’ political discussions on the development of LTC systems and policies.