Spatial Dynamic Effects in the Colombian Health System

Abstract

We seek to understand if spatial dynamics affect the population in social, economic and health terms. To carry out this study, we propose the following two stages. In the first stage we try to understand the causes of high infant mortality in rural areas in comparison to the urban areas based on literature and the changes made to the Colombian health model. The second stage is a spatial econometric analysis of the variables of interest, where the CEDE database of the Universidad de los Andes is utilized. The findings of this study confirm the importance of the inclusion of spatial effects, which is a sign that the health dynamics of populations are interrelated. This spatial interdependence corroborates the suggestion from literature where proposing policies coordinate the system and consider local and neighboring populations. Also, municipal administrations require the need to consider mechanisms of interlocution whilst working with their peers and allow these factors to be included in the planning of political measures taken that affect health conditions. Finally, we confirm differences between the rural and urban performance.