In Colombia, the Subsidized Compulsory Health Plan (POSS) for older persons enables all those aged 45 and over to undergo a complete medical examination and laboratory tests every five years to detect preventable diseases in good time. Although these packages are not the solution for the major diseases, they are undoubtedly examples that can be replicated and extended to countries that still have a long way to go in upholding the universal right to health. According to WHO (2003), it is therefore vital to reinforce health systems and establish priorities for developing health systems if such gaps are to be addressed. Diagnosis and treatment of medical and surgical emergencies (max.