Chilean President Gabriel Boric Announces Measures to Strengthen Rare Disease Law Project

On June 1, 2024, Chilean President Gabriel Boric delivered his third Cuenta Pública address at the National Congress in Valparaíso, where he announced new initiatives to bolster the rare disease law project. The address also covered significant economic progress and security measures.

During his speech, Boric highlighted the importance of addressing rare diseases, which affect a small percentage of the population but have profound impacts on those affected and their families. While specific details about the measures were not disclosed, the president emphasized the government's commitment to improving healthcare for those with rare conditions.

Boric's address also focused on economic recovery. He announced that inflation had been contained, dropping from 14% to 4%, and projected an annual growth rate of over 2% by the end of his term. The president noted a record high in Foreign Direct Investment, reaching $21.7 billion in 2023, and the creation of 500,000 new jobs over the past two years.

In terms of labor reforms, Boric highlighted the implementation of the 40-hour workweek law, benefiting over 4 million workers, and the increase in the minimum wage to $500,000. He also introduced the Bolsillo Familiar Electrónico, a digital family wallet for nearly 3 million people, and announced plans to introduce a bill on salary equity for women in June.

Why this matters: The strengthening of the rare disease law project has significant implications for the healthcare system and the lives of individuals affected by rare diseases. The implementation of these measures could lead to improved access to treatment and care for those affected, and potentially reduce healthcare costs in the long run.

Security was another key focus of Boric's address. He announced a master plan for prison infrastructure, which includes enabling over 5,000 new prison spaces by the second half of 2024 and more than 12,000 by 2030 to address overcrowding. The president also highlighted the destruction of 25,000 weapons and the dismantling of over 500 gangs.

Additionally, Boric mentioned the acceleration of the 'call to service' law, which will replace 1,000 carabineros performing administrative tasks with civilian personnel, allowing these officers to return to police duties. This move is expected to make 1,392 additional carabineros available by 2025.

Reflecting on the Estallido Social, the social uprising in October 2019, Boric acknowledged the complex moments faced by the government. He stated, *'Acts of violence existed and are unacceptable, but reducing everything that happened to that is self-deception.'* He emphasized the need for reforms to reduce inequality and address longstanding grievances.

Boric also announced a project to condone the Crédito con Aval del Estado (CAE), a mechanism for paying for higher education that has left many graduates in debt. The proposal, estimated to cost $11.9 billion, has faced criticism from the opposition because of its high fiscal cost.

President Boric's third Cuenta Pública address covered a broad range of topics, including economic recovery, labor reforms, security measures, and initiatives to address rare diseases. His announcements reflect a commitment to tackling significant issues facing Chile, with a focus on improving the lives of its citizens.

Key Takeaways

• Chile's President Gabriel Boric announces initiatives to bolster rare disease law project.
• Economic recovery: 2% annual growth rate, 4% inflation, and $21.7 billion in Foreign Direct Investment.
• Labor reforms: 40-hour workweek, $500,000 minimum wage, and digital family wallet for 3 million people.
• Security measures: master plan for prison infrastructure, destruction of 25,000 weapons, and dismantling of 500 gangs.
• Reforms to address inequality, including condoning Crédito con Aval del Estado (CAE) debt and salary equity for women.