Penetration of Telemedicine and Telehealth in Latin American Hospitals

Abstract

This article discusses the penetration of telemedicine in Latin America in relation to its implementation by hospitals in the region, considering key Latin American hospital markets, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. It gives an overview of the hospitals, the challenges they face in implementing telemedicine and telehealth services in each country, with a characterization of the various health systems, and presents telemedicine as an aid to the shortage of doctors and specialists in remote or hard-to-reach areas. It discusses the anticipated effects on patients and providers, and the main challenges for implementation. To prepare the report, interviews were held with specialists, who spoke about some of the major initiatives in the region. Lastly, it offers recommendations based on market intelligence gleaned from Global Health Intelligence data.