Health & Education
From The Report: Peru 2014
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A series of reforms in late 2013 have effectively redesigned the health sector’s institutional framework and increased coverage and access to services. While state funding remains low, the sector has seen a significant rise in private sector participation, which is expected to continue following implementation of the reform package. With a number of larger companies investing heavily, smaller clinics now face difficulties staying competitive, which may lead to greater consolidation within the sector. Rapid economic growth is also enabling better access to education, accompanied by efforts to uphold educational standards. Total public expenditure has inched along in recent years but is still below the regional average. With government spending for education remaining relatively low, private participation has played a crucial role in the development of the sector, which continues to offer ample opportunities for private investment, especially in underserved areas.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Finding a cure: Change is on the horizon along with expansion
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Like many Andean nations, Peru has a history of limited access to health care. However, the country has made vast strides recently, nearly doubling the percentage of insured citizens over the past decade. While policies tend to focus heavily on establishing universal coverage and providing service for more vulnerable groups, authorities have realised the importance of involving the private sector for reaching long-term goals. A series of reforms in late 2013 have effectively redesigned the sector’s…

Analysis

Promising pills: Potential exists to expand the pharmaceuticals industry
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Though Peruvian pharmaceuticals still lag far behind regional leaders such as Brazil and Argentina, many opportunities exist as demand for medicine continues to rise. Factors driving this potential include increased purchasing power, improved access to health care and government initiatives to stock up on generic medicines. However, the onslaught of free trade agreements and high laboratory fees suggest Peru could become more of an ideal market rather than a production hub. Pharmaceuticals production…

Overview

Studying for success: The sector is looking to improve access and quality
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Long neglected amid the need to boost priority economic activities, education is now under the national spotlight. Though major improvements have been made to close gaps in access and quality, there is still room for growth. Public expenditure on education has inched along in recent years, representing 2.9% of GDP in 2012, up from 2.5% in 2007. This figure is lower than the regional average, which hovers around 4%, according to UNESCO figures from 2011, the last year for which data is available.…

Analysis

Proving their worth: Higher quality becomes a key competitive draw
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Amid growing demand, profit-driven private universities and institutions have expanded considerably over the past two decades, significantly increasing access to higher education. However, lax quality regulations have allowed many of these institutions to provide substandard learning conditions, creating major concerns for students, professors and sector professionals. Implementing a standardised national accreditation system and establishing more direct links with the business community will be…