Many Colombians face limited access to healthcare: Survey

[Judi Lynn]

Many Colombians face limited access to healthcare: Survey
Thursday, 09 December 2010 15:47 Scott Kobewka

A recent report from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) documents Colombians' struggle to access healthcare.

The report surveyed 977 people in seven different departments in Colombia. According to the report 33.6% of the respondents said that they experience discrimination in hospitals and clinics.

MSF found that some people simply cannot afford to see a doctor. In some cases, people live so far from a clinic that transportation can cost up to COP30,000 ($15.75), which is a considerable amount people living in near poverty. The NGO spoke with one person who said they would have to pay up to COP1 million ($525) to get to a clinic.

Of the people surveyed 78.6% said that they have difficulty accessing healthcare because the nearest clinic or hospital is too far away. Most respondents were four hours or more away from a clinic.

More:
http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/13346-many-colombians-face-limited-access-to-healthcare-survey.html