Why invest in health?
On September 18, 2013, I co-led along with Geetha Tharmaratnam (The Abraaj Group) a webinar for the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) Investors’ Council on opportunities in the health sector to address critical needs in emerging markets.
Most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have universal public healthcare systems, however, the infrastructure, especially outside of capital cities and for higher complexity needs, is typically insufficient. There are long wait times for services, limited geographic access to specialists and often long payment cycles for private providers serving lower income patients. These combined factors result in a lack of access to quality care in a timely fashion.
IDB is actively supporting private health sector development via loans and guarantees, with IDB financing typically ranging from US$5 million upwards and tenors of about 7-15 years in USD or local currency. Technical assistance or non-reimbursable financing is also sometimes paired with transactions to further innovation, inclusion or social impact. IDB works with private providers of health services (hospitals and clinics), insurance companies, leasing companies, equipment investment funds, and companies that produce equipment, medical supply companies and laboratories.
IDB finances healthcare projects with a strong development impact that focus on:
- Development impact - focus on underserved areas and populations
- Improve healthcare quality
- Improve access to healthcare services
- Innovation within the healthcare environment
This is the first of a series of blogs about health and education. I encourage you to stay tuned for future entries that further delve into these exciting and high impact sectors.
Authors
Kristin Dacey
Kristin Dacey trabaja como oficial líder de inversiones en Emprenta Impact Investing Fund. Previamente, se desempeñó como oficial senior de inversione
LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ?
Subscribe to our mailing list to stay informed on the latest IDB Invest news, blog posts, upcoming events, and to learn more about specific areas of interest.
SubscribeFinancial Institutions
Related Posts
Facing the Storm: How IDB Invest Supports Caribbean Private Sector Resilience
IDB Invest is partnering with the Green Climate Fund to help Caribbean businesses better withstand future climate shocks through blended finance and technical assistance.
Reimagining the Future of Finance in Latin America and the Caribbean
At the FinnLAC Forum 2025 in Miami, the IDB Group hosted over 500 industry leaders and experts to help redefine the future of finance in Latin America and the Caribbean. The event focused on improving the ability of individuals and companies to better manage their finances, withstand economic shocks, and invest in their long-term prosperity. By highlighting innovations that broaden access, strengthen resilience, and promote overall financial health, the forum set the stage for more sustainable financial systems across the region.
Four Reasons Why Transparency is a Strategic Asset for Development Finance Institutions
Open access to information builds credibility, enhances outcomes, encourages collaboration, and attracts investment. For development finance institutions, transparency is not just a value, it’s a cornerstone for achieving sustainable progress while navigating complex financial and operational landscapes.