Have you ever thought about how long it would take you to get to a health center if you had an emergency? It is estimated that one in three people in the region have unmet health needs. And while it is true that not all access depends on infrastructure, it is important to extend access to health services.Technology now makes it possible to combine layers of population datawith … [Read more...] about Is It Possible to Get to a Health Center in 30 Minutes? The Truth Behind Access to Health Care in Latin America and the Caribbean
Health services
The Healthcare Sector Plays a Crucial Role in Times of Crisis
In recent decades, the world has experienced a series of extreme events. From economic periods of recession to political instability causing social conflicts, terrorism and wars. From health crises such as pandemics or plagues to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, droughts and heat waves. Regarding the latter, the frequency of extreme natural … [Read more...] about The Healthcare Sector Plays a Crucial Role in Times of Crisis
Public Hospitals in the Region: What Is the Room for Improvement?
Hospitals are a key component of health systems and health spending in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Across the region, hospital care already accounts for about 1/3 of total health spending and is expected to increase in absolute and relative terms as populations age and medical technology improves. The public sector has a substantial role in providing and paying for … [Read more...] about Public Hospitals in the Region: What Is the Room for Improvement?
Why Long Wait Times for Health Care Should Matter – and How to Reduce Them
Long waiting times for public health care services are common in Latin America, as confirmed by the available data. For instance, in 2022 the median waiting time for hip replacements – a common elective surgery – was 408 days in Chile and 632 in Costa Rica. And even for coronary bypass surgery, more than three in four patients have been on a waiting list for more than three … [Read more...] about Why Long Wait Times for Health Care Should Matter – and How to Reduce Them
With the Support of RMEI, Mesoamerican Women Fight Malaria in Their Communities
Every April 25, the United Nations celebrates World Malaria Day. Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that claims 600,000 lives each year, mainly children. It is important to emphasize the fundamental role of courageous and committed women who, despite the difficulties, help their families and neighbors to fight the disease. Day by day, they are the heroines of their … [Read more...] about With the Support of RMEI, Mesoamerican Women Fight Malaria in Their Communities