Within the framework of the Health Forum and 30th Andi Pharmaceutical Forum, which takes place at the Cartagena de Indias Convention Center; The president of the National Association of Businessmen of Colombia (Andi), Bruce Mac Master, called on “to talk seriously about the health system, with responsibility and greatness, so that in the future we can look back and say that as a society we were able to strengthen it, overcome deficiencies and generate new capabilities.”
Likewise, the president of AndiI pointed out that said dialogue should take into account three fundamental tasks: First, the rescue and financial stability of the system that is currently in crisis; second, the rescue of operability, establishing specific procedures and strategies that guarantee the development of activities in a transition scenario in the face of possible changes, in all stages of that process and third, the structural development of the system, taking into account the aspects to improve for the future, with sustainability.
Health Forum and 30th Andi Pharmaceutical Forum.
Photo:Andy
“The Colombian health system, built over 30 years, had become a benchmark for the region, not only for high coverage, but for efficiency in the use of resources. This can be seen, for example, in the low out-of-pocket expenditure that health represented for people, compared to other countries in the world. In that sense, the economic question is key in the conversation, because in a scenario of change it is necessary to define how much it will cost and what the sources of resources are and who will assume the risks, hoping that they are not directly It is the families who end up paying for it,” said Mac Master.
Likewise, the union leader highlighted that in recent decades the health system had established itself as one of the greatest drivers of investment dynamism in Colombia, however, that trend began to reverse in the last two years.
Specifically in 2019, for example, foreign direct investment related to this sector was US$546 million; in 2020, due to the pandemic, there was a peak of US$998 million; Then in 2021, the investment was US$579 million, in 2022 it fell 8% compared to the previous year, to US$536 million, and in 2023 it fell again compared to the previous year, by 11%, to US$479 million.
Bruce Mac Master, this Thursday at the Andi Health Forum and 30th Pharmaceutical Forum.
Photo:Andy
“It is important to keep in mind that, if the health system had not been sufficiently reliable, these levels of investment would not have been achieved, which were reflected in better care capabilities and use of technologies. Today, if we are not able to invest in health, we will not be able to keep up with the pace that humanity requires,” stated Mac Master.
Finally, the president of Andi pointed out that the health system has been characterized by joint work between the public and business, “being the largest public-private alliance (PPP) in the history of Colombia,” which currently employs more than 1.26 million people.
The event will continue to take place this afternoon with the participation of different representatives of entities and companies, as well as international experts. This Friday the closing of the meeting will take place, which has brought together more than 2,000 people.
EDWIN CAICEDO
Environment and health journalist
@CaicedoUcros
