WASHINGTON — The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved an operation of up to US$60 million to support the digital transformation of the healthcare system in the province of Río Negro, Argentina. The initiative will strengthen the healthcare system’s digital capabilities and expand access to specialized services for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer.
The project supports the strategy of the Province of Río Negro, which spans a large geographic area, to bring specialized healthcare services closer to people across the province, regardless of where they live. The initiative will directly benefit approximately 320,000 people who rely exclusively on the province’s public healthcare system.
This is the second operation under the Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP) “Digital Transformation in Health,” which supports the digital transformation of public healthcare systems in Argentina’s provinces. The plan supported by the IDB includes the introduction of telehealth tools, interactive digital portals for patients and healthcare professionals, and complementary artificial intelligence-based solutions to strengthen diagnosis, clinical follow-up, and continuity of care. People living in remote areas will be able to access consultations and follow-up care without having to travel to major urban centers.
“Digital transformation represents an opportunity to bring higher-quality healthcare services closer to people, regardless of where they live. At the IDB, we are supporting the Province of Río Negro in modernizing its healthcare system through an agenda that strengthens its capabilities and expands access to more timely, integrated, and people-centered care,” said Viviana Alva-Hart, IDB Group Representative in Argentina.
“Through this IDB financing, we will strengthen the technological infrastructure of hospitals and primary healthcare centers, ensuring faster, more integrated, and more accessible care throughout the province,” said Alberto Weretilneck, Governor of the Province of Río Negro.
The resources will finance investments in digital infrastructure, the development of digital health platforms, and efforts to strengthen care delivery models and institutional change management.
The initiative will strengthen the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and different types of cancer, particularly breast cancer. The digital portals and platforms will be developed in accordance with international accessibility standards to facilitate their use by people with disabilities.
The financing has a 25-year maturity, a 5.5-year grace period, and an interest rate based on SOFR.
About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the IDB works with the region’s public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries.
Javier Jose Salgado Derqui
Communications Specialist
