[Restructuration of psychiatric care in Latin America].

Abstract

Both the epidemiological and program bases for action are reviewed as well as the political, historical, and technical background of the Initiative for a Re-structuration Psychiatric Care in Latin America. Attention is also paid to (a) the wide repercussion of this new-old health policy, (b) procedures for its implementation, and (c) the main obstacles the Initiative has been facing to date. Results obtained so far are reviewed.