Travel over 8 hours to access care

After meeting all the stakeholders in the Colombian (orthopedic) healthcare system, we heard on countless occasions that people with a disability in rural areas have little access to orthopaedic care. Like for instance Luis you see on the photo who lives in a small village called Mutatá. And also Madelen, a young girl born with spina bifida, who lives in the same village. Both of them needs to travel at least 8 hours to reach an orthopedic care center. Although there is a healthcare system in place that covers the majority of the population, in reality a part of the Colombians are denied care because of the shortage of orthopedic centers in rural areas and secondary cities, and because of informal and formal bureaucratic barriers.

Increased costs

As a result, people have to endure long travel times and increased costs. The first months after receiving an orthopedic device, frequent visits to the clinic are essential to ensure correct fitting and that the patient has adapted well. Unfortunately, for many people with a disability this time, money and energy to travel for regular visits is not feasible, which can lead to device abandonment. This has an impact on their physical, social, economic and emotional wellbeing.

Worldwide, only 5% has access

It is not only a problem in Colombia; the WHO estimates that 40 million people in upcoming economies have a need for prosthetics, orthotics, mobility devices and rehabilitation services. Only 5% has proper access to these services, and the need for orthopedic care is growing due to non-communicable diseases, traffic accidents, natural disasters and conflict. This is why carewithinreach has chosen to address this significant gap in the delivery of secondary orthopedic care across Colombia.