"Nowadays many countries are struggling with chronic non-contagious diseases."

For many decades, Latin America has been characterized by a high incidence of infectious diseases and high mother-child mortality, but nowadays many countries are also struggling with chronic non-contagious diseases. “Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and obesity are the main causes of death in many Latin American countries,” says Patricia Posada. “Diabetes is now the main cause of death in Mexico; while cardiopaties and strokes already account for approximately one third of all deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean, with cases expected to triple in the next 20 years.”

In countries where the richest 20% earn more than 20 times as much as the poorest 20%, there is a small but strong group of patients able to afford and willing to pay for the latest innovations in healthcare technology. “In Latin America, access to healthcare and, therefore, healthcare technologies is extremely unequal,” says Patricia Posada. ”Within the high purchasing power segments, there’s a trend towards using top technology for monitoring and diagnostic imaging, and to execute less invasive procedures.”

Brazil, the largest market in the region, has invested more than US $40 million per year on computed tomography and magnetic resonance scanners over the last decade. According to the Asociación Latinoamericana de Integración, there has been a significant increase in the total imports of medical equipment between 2000 and 2006 in every country except Uruguay – from big markets such as Brazil and Mexico to small healthcare markets such as Bolivia, and this trend has continued through 2007. “If you look at South and Central America, Brazil and Mexico account for 65% of imports,” says Patrician Posada. “But other hot spots for medical equipment are Colombia, Venezuela and Peru.”

Healthcare professionals in both private and public hospitals are keen on utilizing new diagnosis and treatment applications. El Hospital is read mainly in countries such as Mexico, the Andean Region and the South Cone. “Our magazine provides healthcare professionals all over the continent with up-to-date news and information on healthcare innovations, mostly in Spanish,” says Patricia Posada. “We have established a network of international experts for the development of editorial content geared towards Latin American interests.”(AG)

Contact Patricia Posada at pposada@elhospital.com.