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?
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
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
The Collaboration of Health and IT Personnel to Solve Complex Problems
The digital transformation of health requires close collaboration between health and IT staff. For this, it is not necessary that doctors, in addition to knowing how the human body works, know how to cure viruses from their computers. It is enough for a small group of people to develop a language and a common understanding of a series of topics related to health and the … [Read more...] about The Collaboration of Health and IT Personnel to Solve Complex Problems
Supporting Strong Foundations: The Digital Health Strategy Dashboard
Imagine embarking on the construction of a house, only to find that the carpenters, electricians, and plumbers are each following a different blueprint. The result? You might end up with a bathtub in your kitchen! Yet, this scenario isn't far from reality when strong digital health foundations are lacking. To navigate these challenges, the Inter-American Development Bank … [Read more...] about Supporting Strong Foundations: The Digital Health Strategy Dashboard