How do courts set health policy? The case of the Colombian Constitutional Court
2009

How Courts Influence Health Policy in Colombia

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Alicia Ely Yamin, Oscar Parra-Vera

Primary Institution: Harvard Law School

Hypothesis

How do courts set health policy in Colombia?

Conclusion

The Colombian Constitutional Court has significantly influenced health policy by enforcing the right to health through judicial decisions.

Supporting Evidence

  • The court's decisions have led to significant changes in health policy and access to care.
  • Judicial activism has increased the number of health rights cases in Colombia.
  • The court has enforced the right to health even when it has substantial resource implications.

Takeaway

In Colombia, the courts help people get the health care they need, even if the government doesn't provide it right away.

Limitations

The study does not assess the long-term effects of the court's decisions on the health system.

Participant Demographics

Colombia's population of 46 million, with significant poverty and inequality.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pmed.1000032

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