Institucionalidad y rectoría de los sistemas de salud: el caso venezolano

Within the context of the experience of several countries, this paper explores the basic functions of the health systems and their relationships as a warrant of an effective operation. The role of financing as the main determinant of the health system organization is highlighted, with especial reference to the case of Venezuela, where the lack of professional criteria, deinstitutionalization and fragmentation –especially referred to the failure of the Mision Barrio Adentro– have seriously blocked the designing of health policies, as well as the fulfillment of the leading role as the main functions of any health system.