Acceso a servicios de salud de personas en situación de discapacidad física en zarzal (Valle del Cauca, Colombia)

Objective: This study aimed to describe and analyze access to health services for people with physical disabilities in the municipality of Zarzal, Valle, Colombia. Materials and methods: An observational study was conducted with 56 adults diagnosed with physical disability. The applied survey was EASS-DISCAPACIDAD FÍSICA that evaluates sociodemographic and socioeconomic profile, access to preventive services, access to curative or rehabilitative services, out-of-pocket expenses and access to personalized care in physical disability. Results: The results confirm the social and economic disadvantage of the population in a situation of disability. Although the total number of people surveyed were affiliated to SGSSS, indicating coverage, it has not guaranteed access to comprehensive and timely health services. Problems were found in the access and continuity of rehabilitation services, especially delays in the authorization of health insurance companies, delays in appointments for procedures and therapies, and lack of health education in the management of physical disability. Conclusions: It is recommended to apply the survey in other territories of the country, in order to make the population more visible and their needs for access to the health care system. It is necessary that the Ministry of Health and Social Protection strengthen the National Disability System with the aim of establishing priorities of care for this population.