Infant mortality and hospital system in the Santiago Province (1930-1973)

Abstract

This article addresses the characteristics of the hospital system and its links with infant mortality in the Province of Santiago between 1930 and 1973, in order to discuss the multiple political and medical scenarios, where attempted were made to solve this public health problem. The working hypothesis proposes that the expansion of health facilities and the progress of various clinical parameters contributed to gradually decrease the number of deaths. The research used press sources, specialized literature and decrees and bills of the Ministry of Health. The conclusions examine the circulation of medical knowledge, the insertion of new technologies and the deepening of preventive policies, as key elements to improve children’s health.