Colombia

The Colombian health care system was reformed in 1993, giving greater funding to local authorities to finance a system of competitive privately managed health care networks. The percentage of the population covered by some form of insurance since the reform (called la Ley 100) has increased from 21% in 1992 to 66% in 2004.

Although there are still inequalities between poorer rural areas and richer urban areas, healthcare in the country does seem to have improved. However, corruption remains entrenched in the system.

The majority of the market is supplied by local manufacturers, although many multinational companies maintain a presence in the country. The government appears to be pursuing a deliberately protectionist policy towards the local industry, with tariffs on active ingredients much lower than those on finished products.