Abel Jarpa

He was the son of Abel Jarpa Gacitúa and Concepción Vallejos Ramos, and brother of parliamentarian Miguel Jarpa Vallejos. He married Matilde Wevar Cañas in Osorno on 24 February 1944, with whom he had four children, including Deputy Carlos Abel Jarpa.

He studied at the Liceo de Hombres in his hometown. After finishing secondary school, he entered the School of Medicine of the University of Concepción and later transferred to the University of Chile, where he earned his degree as a surgeon in 1942. From 1945 he practiced in Chillán, working at the National Health Service Hospital until 1968. He was also an ophthalmologist in Osorno; physician in the Work Accident Fund; physician of other social security institutions; and ophthalmologist of the Workers’ Insurance and Welfare Service.

In 1935 he joined the Radical Party, where he held various positions. In 1949 he was elected councilman of Chillán, serving until 1960, when he became mayor, holding the office until 1968.

In 1969 he was elected Deputy for the 16th Departmental Group (Chillán, Bulnes and Yungay), for the 1969–1973 term. He served on the Permanent Commission of Foreign Relations; the Commission of Economy, Development and Reconstruction; and the Special Investigating Commission on Possible Irregularities Committed by the Ford Company and other firms in the import of goods in 1970.

In the sporting field, from 1964 to 1965, he was president of the Ñublense football club.

He was also a member of the Chilean Medical Association and the Chilean Ophthalmology Medical Society.

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