Colombia seeks to boost cancer-survival rates
National Cancer Plan covers all types of the disease as part of continent’s effort to address shortage of specialists.
Bogota – Cancer mortality rates in Colombia are almost double the rate for European countries or the US.
As Latin American countries start to to address the continent’s shortage of cancer specialists, the Colombian government has devised a National Cancer Plan and instituted a single benefit package for the entire population.
The country has also expanded its social insurance programme to cover all types of cancer.
At present, 96 percent of Colombians have some form of health insurance, one of the highest rates in the hemisphere. And by law it covers all types of cancers.
The challenge, though, is to ensure quality care for all.