Bogotá is embarking on a groundbreaking health initiative called MAS Bienestar, aiming to bring healthcare directly to the people. Over 1,000 professionals and technicians are working tirelessly to make this vision a reality, fanning out to reach homes, workplaces, schools, universities, and community spaces across the city.
This first phase, running until April 2025, will initially serve 696 cadastral sectors, reaching over 2.8 million residents in 861,000 households. Priority is given to high-risk communities and all rural areas within Bogotá.
MAS Bienestar is built on four key pillars: intersectoral well-being, effective governance, transformative social participation, and comprehensive risk management. The focus for this initial phase is risk management.
This pillar operates through a robust network of healthcare services, connecting public and private entities to deliver accessible, high-quality care. It involves five interconnected levels, starting with the extramural management system which deploys "well-being managers" throughout the city.
Subnetworks, strategically located in North, Centre-East, South, and South-West regions, will manage care at the territorial, family, and individual levels. In close collaboration with all insurance providers (EPS) and other city departments, these networks aim to improve the health and well-being of the entire population.
Subsequent phases will progressively expand to cover the remaining 1,170 cadastral sectors, encompassing medium-risk and low-risk areas. Each phase will integrate cutting-edge information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance communication and access to care for families. These technologies will also monitor their health conditions and guide interventions for improvement. The ultimate goal is to reach every corner of Bogotá, both urban and rural, by 2027.
Leading the charge are diverse teams of professionals, including doctors, nurses, psychologists, nutritionists, dentists, therapists, environmental engineers, and technical and managerial healthcare personnel. They are dedicated to bringing MAS Bienestar to every nook and cranny of Bogotá, ensuring its residents have access to exceptional healthcare.
MAS Bienestar: Key Features
Universal Coverage: This new health model aims to serve 100% of Bogotá’s population, reaching both urban and rural areas, a significant improvement over previous models which covered only 56.3%.
Collaborative Approach:
MAS Bienestar fosters collaboration between various city departments to respond swiftly and effectively to the community’s health needs. This ensures that the most vulnerable groups receive targeted attention and support.Direct Care: Teams directly manage care for individuals from all insurance providers (EPS) in the city. This includes providing direct communication channels to address health needs.
- Seamless Integration: MAS Bienestar seamlessly integrates extramural management, primary care facilities, complementary providers, and high-complexity healthcare centers. This integration ensures smooth transitions and optimal care throughout the healthcare journey.
A healthy Bogotá is within reach, thanks to the unwavering dedication of the professionals committed to bringing MAS Bienestar to life.
Interview: The Future of Healthcare in Bogotá – An Insight into the MAS Bienestar Initiative
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving deep into a transformative healthcare initiative in Bogotá, known as MAS Bienestar. Joining me is Dr. Mariana Torres, a public health expert closely involved with the program’s implementation. Thank you for being here, Dr. Torres.
Dr. Mariana Torres: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this exciting project.
Editor: Let’s start by understanding the essence of MAS Bienestar. What does this initiative aim to achieve for the people of Bogotá?
Dr. Torres: MAS Bienestar is fundamentally about bringing healthcare to the people. The initiative aims to reach over 2.8 million residents across 696 cadastral sectors, focusing on high-risk communities and rural areas. Our goal is to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare directly to individuals in their homes, workplaces, and community spaces.
Editor: That’s quite ambitious! With over 1,000 professionals and technicians involved, how is the rollout structured?
Dr. Torres: The initiative is organized into different phases, with the first phase running until April 2025. We have developed a robust network to ensure effective management at various levels, starting with our extramural management system. Here, well-being managers are deployed throughout the city to facilitate communication and support.
Editor: You mentioned intersectoral well-being and effective governance as key pillars. Can you elaborate on these?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely! Intersectoral well-being means collaborating across different sectors—like education, housing, and social services—to ensure a holistic approach to health. Effective governance involves transparent management and accountability in how we deliver services. This interconnected system enables us to understand and manage risks better and create interventions tailored to community needs.
Editor: Speaking of risks, how does the initiative address health risks specifically during this first phase?
Dr. Torres: The focus on risk management is a cornerstone of our initial efforts. By identifying high-risk groups and areas, we can prioritize outreach and support. This includes connecting public and private healthcare entities and utilizing data analytics to track health conditions and inform interventions.
Editor: Health technology plays a crucial role in modern healthcare. How will MAS Bienestar incorporate ICT?
Dr. Torres: In subsequent phases, we plan to integrate cutting-edge information and communication technologies. This means facilitating access to telehealth services, health monitoring applications, and real-time communication channels for families. By leveraging technology, we’re aiming to enhance our outreach and ensure timely interventions.
Editor: That sounds innovative! As the program moves into its later phases, what is the ultimate goal for the people of Bogotá by 2027?
Dr. Torres: Our vision is clear: to ensure that every corner of Bogotá, both urban and rural, has access to comprehensive, quality health services. By 2027, we want to create a sustainable healthcare model that adapts to the evolving needs of our communities, making health a right that everyone can enjoy.
Editor: It’s clear that MAS Bienestar has the potential to be a game-changer for Bogotá. What do you hope will be the lasting impact of this initiative?
Dr. Torres: I hope MAS Bienestar will empower communities to take charge of their health. Long-term, we aspire to foster a culture of health literacy, where individuals are well-informed and proactive about their well-being. Ultimately, we want to build a healthier, more resilient Bogotá.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for sharing such valuable insights on MAS Bienestar. This initiative certainly embodies a significant stride towards equitable healthcare for all. We look forward to seeing its progress!
Dr. Torres: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss our work, and I urge everyone to stay engaged and informed as we move forward with this essential initiative.
Editor: And to our readers, stay tuned for more updates on MAS Bienestar and other groundbreaking initiatives making waves in the health sector.