Miguel Etchebarne Riol

Miguel Etchebarne Riol (1903 – 1965) was a Chilean physician and politician of French descent. He served as Minister of Health, Welfare and Social Assistance during the governments of Presidents Pedro Aguirre Cerda and Juan Antonio Ríos.

Personal life He was born in Talca in 1903, the son of Jean Etchebarne Lasalle, a French immigrant, and Saturnina Riol Diego. He married Marta Burmester Araya and had descendants.

Public career A member of the Socialist Party of Chile, he served as Intendant of Talca (1932–1933) and as councilor of the same commune. He was appointed Minister of Health under President Pedro Aguirre Cerda between 1938 and 1939, and later again under President Juan Antonio Ríos in 1942–1943.

During his tenure, he expanded the Instituto Bacteriológico and contributed to the eradication of epidemic typhus in southern Chile. In 1939 he participated in relief efforts following the 1939 Chillán earthquake.

He also served as president of the Council of the Caja de Seguro Obrero and represented Chile before the World Health Organization.