Ancora

A Private University Providing Health Care for the Poor
Authors: Chu, Michael; Koljatic, Mladen; Silva, Monica
Source: Harvard Business School
Year: 2006
Number of pages: 33

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Abstract:

Project Ancora signals the entry of the private sector in primary health care for the poor in Chile. On a commercial basis, it seeks to deliver a more effective, efficient, and user-friendly primary health care model than the prevailing public health system, while operating under the same revenue structure (per capita payments from the Ministry of Health). A highly visible landmark initiative of the Medical School of the Catholic University, success would prove that quality health care is possible for the poor at no additional cost, serving as a national model. Failure, on the other hand, would have high institutional costs. Dr. Joaquin Montero, the head of Ancora and its intellectual father, must address the controversial project in the context of a presidential election. Reviews the current Chilean health care model for the poor and the political realities surrounding it. As the seed money for Ancora comes from one single individual, it also illustrates an example of thoughtful philanthropy.