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Health problems have always been a cause of deep concern for the people, the health professionals and the Government of Puerto Rico. Because of that concern, a high priority has been given and substantial resources have been devoted to the solution of those problems [throughout the years]. This is evinced by the achievements obtained of the health levels of our people, as shown by the most important indexes in this field. Such indexes are: the general mortality rate which for the year 1974 was 6.4 for each one thousand inhabitants; the life expectancy which for the year 1972 was 72 years, and infant mortality, which in 1974 was 23.1 for each one thousand births.\nOn the basis of the aforesaid data, it is fair to point out that significant progress has been achieved in the health field, and this chapter responds to the Government’s purpose that the health services be continuously improved. Furthermore, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico recognizes that upon reaching higher levels in the living standards of our people and in their income, there is a growing hope for progress in all the areas of our life, including health.

Puerto Rico recognizes that upon reaching higher levels in the living standards of our people and in their income, there is a growing hope for progress in all the areas of our life, including health. Such hopes are legitimate and, therefore, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico wishes to formulate and leave proof here of its public policy insofar as the health of our people is concerned.\nIt is hereby acknowledged and declared by this Legislative Assembly, as the public policy of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, that the health of our people deserves and must have the highest priority in the undertakings of the Government. That the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico must see to it that the inhabitants of this Island be rendered and tendered first-rate health services without any barriers whatsoever that may prevent access to such services, guaranteeing the right of each citizen to the free selection of medico-dental services and hospital facilities from among those of a governmental and nongovernmental nature. That for the evident purpose of achieving the above-mentioned basic objective, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall conduct appropriate research in the administration

tal and nongovernmental nature. That for the evident purpose of achieving the above-mentioned basic objective, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall conduct appropriate research in the administration and rendering of government health services, by promoting a plurality of models of prepaid health services and medical-insurance mechanisms which may offer the benefits of an experience based on reality, and in light of which the Government may hereafter make decisions as to the most efficient manner of supervising the administration of and rendering the health services it now offers. To such ends, the organizations for the furnishing of health services in the public sector are created and restructured, and the mechanisms thereof are reformed; and proper and feasible mechanisms of regulation for the public as well as the private sector are established.\nHistory —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 2; June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 2; July 11, 1978, No. 32, p. 459, § 1.