Update of Diagnosis of Health Research Situation in the Field of Argentine National and 19 Provincial Ministries of Health

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Considering the few background of studies about the health systems in Argentina, the National Ministry of Health decided to make a diagnosis of the research activities in the public health subsector. OBJECTIVE: To describe the activities of research management, production and dissemination conducted by health ministries and their agencies between 2010 and 2012. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 20 health ministries (National, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and the provinces of Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Chaco, Corrientes, Chubut, Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Misiones, Neuquén, Río Negro, San Juan, Santa Cruz, Santiago del Estero, Tierra del Fuego and Tucumán) was studied. A structured survey to responsible officials of central level structures, decentralized institutions and health services was conducted. RESULTS: 299 dependent agencies and 1070 research projects were surveyed, 80% of which had been conducted in health services and 61.3% of total had received financing. CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of the research found in this study shows the importance that the research activities have in the ministries of health studied, in line with the support that has been given in recent years to this activity as state policy.