DEMOGRAPHIC GROWTH AND HEALTH NEEDS IN LATIN-AMERICA

The net effect of the rapid population growth in Latin American countries is an increase in the needs for health services. Nevertheless, the demographic factor is not the only nor the most important consideration in determining how to satisfy these demands in the region. The main contradiction lies between the magnitude of needs for services generated by the adverse living conditions prevailing among the majority of the population, together with a restricted supply of health services, the availability of which varies according to social class. The problem of the increasing demand for medical care, generated by the rapid population growth, should be recognized as originating in the socioeconomic structural conditions prevailing in Latin American countries today which determine, simultaneously, low health levels, deficiencies in the provision of health services, and rapid population growth.; Unfavorable living conditions prevailing in Latin America are exacerbated by rapid population growth. Where the socioeconomic level is very low the need for health care services is very severe. 71% of the high per capita income population in Chile (1.00 and more) satisfied their demand for annual medical visits, compared to 39% of the low income (.0-.19) in 1968. A health policy which delivers medical services to the population sector which most needs them and does not discriminate by social class would reduce the present high rates of population growth. Population projections by the Latin American Demographic Center anticipate increases by an average of 50% between 1975-1990. Estimated growth will exceeded 60% in Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. Since life expectancy is lowest in Nicaragua and Honduras, demographic increase will occur where health needs are the greatest. By contrast, Argentina and Uruguay, where life expectancy is the highest, anticipate 20% growth.