The Health Services System in Chile is a mixed system, both in terms of financing and in service provision. In terms of financing, the system combines a social security scheme with a competitive insurance system. However, these two components also receive financing from compulsory employee contributions. There are two modalities: One of public nature that arranges the National Health Fund (FONASA). The other is comprised by Institutions of Health and Welfare (ISAPREs), private health insurers who administer the compulsory contribution of those who choose to be assigned to them.
The Ministry of Health manages the sector, formulates and sets health policy, in accordance with Government directives, and sets standards and general plans for the System, in addition to supervising, controlling, and evaluating its fulfillment. There is not a formal mechanism for the definition of essential public health functions, but a first measurement exercise of the functions was carried out in December 2000.
HEALTH SYSTEM PROFILES 
The Health Services System in Chile is a mixed system, both in terms of financing and in service provision. In terms of financing, the system combines a social security scheme with a competitive insurance system. However, these two components also receive financing from compulsory employee contributions. There are two modalities: One of public nature that arranges the National Health Fund (FONASA). The other is comprised by Institutions of Health and Welfare (ISAPREs), private health insurers who administer the compulsory contribution of those who choose to be assigned to them.