ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to analyze critically the causes, development, and results of the Chilean doctors’ strikes. The reason for the strike was officially given as support for the strengthening of health services, but its timing left little doubt that it was political in nature. The group which continued working during the strike also emphasized prevention and health maintenance and the relationship of health to other parts of the social change process such as food distribution, housing, and integration with the work of the labor unions. The strikes in which the Colegio Medico and its followers participated appeared to be an important factor in the initiation of the military coup which overthrew President Salvador Allende’s government and led to his death on September 11, 1973. The physician in Chile had held the highest rank in prestige among all the professions and occupations in the country, higher than senators, judges, high-ranking military officers, priests, or bankers.
