Prime Highlights
- Río Negro will receive up to US$60 million for healthcare digitalisation.
- Telehealth will expand specialist care in remote areas.
Key Facts
- The programme will serve around 320,000 people.
- AI tools will support diagnosis and patient monitoring.
Background
Around 320,000 people in Argentina’s Río Negro province are set to gain better access to public healthcare through a digital transformation programme backed by up to US$60 million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The programme will modernise technology across hospitals and primary healthcare centres while expanding specialist services for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer.
Telehealth will be a key part of the project. It will allow people in remote areas to consult doctors and receive follow-up care without travelling long distances to major cities. New digital portals will also connect patients, doctors and healthcare facilities.
The programme will use artificial intelligence tools to support diagnosis, patient monitoring and continuity of care. Healthcare professionals would also be provided with better digital systems that help to store patient data and coordinate treatments.
The technology enhancements will be made not only for hospitals but also for local healthcare centers. The services will follow international accessibility standards to make them easier to use for people with disabilities.
The project will focus on preventing and detecting major diseases, including heart conditions, diabetes and breast cancer. Better digital records and follow-up systems are expected to help doctors identify patients who need further treatment and maintain care across different facilities.
The IDB said the project aims to reduce the impact of Río Negro’s large geographic area on access to healthcare.
The financing comes under the IDB’s Digital Transformation in Health programme for Argentina’s provinces. The loan has a 25-year maturity and a 5.5-year grace period, with interest linked to SOFR.
