Access barriers to occupational risk coverage in service provision contracts in the public health sector in Bogotá

Abstract

Objective To identify access barriers to the General System for Occupational Risks (SGRL in Spanish) in a group of independent professionals (contracted with service provision contraction) in the public health sector in Bogotá. Methodology Qualitative research (narrative) through interviews of four independent professionals of the Secretaría Distrital de Salud (District Health Secretariat), 4 independent professionals of Tunjuelito Hospital and 3 experts in the field of occupational risks. The content analysis paradigm was used for information analysis. Results The two institutions of the public health sector in Bogotá consulted have implemented strategies that facilitate the access to the SGRL for independent professionals. However, the interviewed workers and experts identified some access barriers membership for independent workers in this occupational risk system; among these barriers are the lack of a culture of occupation risk prevention, lack of knowledge about laws and the utility of the system as well as the non-conception of the SGRL as a fundamental part of the social security system of the country. Conclusion It is necessary for the SGRL to be recognized as an integral and fundamental part of the country's social security. This depends on a cultural construction of the importance of an occupational risk system among the state organizations, employers and employees.