Chile

Chile’s Universal Access to Healthcare government program, ex “Plan AUGE”, currently known as “GES” (Garantias Explicitas en Salud) started in 2005 and consists of government-subsidized healthcare coverage for, as of now, 80 diseases considered to be high-incidence. In the private sector, however, the expenditure has doubled in the last 10 years. 

In terms of regulation, pharmaceuticals have mandatory registration at the Institute of Public Health. Currently, medical devices that need authorization include contraceptives, gloves, needles, and syringes. However, there is a law currently being discussed in Congress - Ley Farmacos II - that may impose additional regulations to pharmaceuticals and medical devices.                                          

U.S. medical equipment and devices are well regarded in Chile. A strategy that has proven successful is to appoint a qualified agent or distributor. Chilean distributors in the medical sector are usually knowledgeable, experienced, and have a good network of sales people throughout the country. Reliable after sales support is a priority in this market. Local distributors/representatives should be experienced in selling to the public sector through the government portal: www.mercadopublico.cl

U.S. state-of-the-art medical technology has a good market potential in Chile, especially in the private sector as the Chilean private healthcare system is well regarded in the region. Private hospitals receive foreign patients for treatment on a regular basis. Some of these private hospitals have Joint Commission accreditation, and therefore maintain high standards as a permanent goal. Many Chilean physicians have U.S. post-graduate degrees and maintain regular contact with important U.S. healthcare institutions.

Chile has a favorable import climate. There are no known barriers to U.S. medical equipment, devices, pharmaceuticals, laboratory equipment, or diagnostic test.

Trade Show

Receive a market assessment for your company, learn about upcoming market opportunities, and discuss your international growth strategy with our international healthcare specialists at Hospitalar 2019!  The U.S. Commercial Service is offering its complimentary Showtime program at the show.  We encourage you to register by May 10th to meet one-on-one with U.S. Commercial Service Healthcare Specialists from Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.  To register, please complete this form. 

For questions regarding U.S. Commercial Service programs at Hospitalar, please contact:LeeAnne.Haworth@trade.gov  and Tricia.McLain@trade.gov

Trade Show

The AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo is the world's largest meeting devoted to clinical chemistry and clinical laboratory science in general.

Why should you exhibit?

• The AACC Clinical Lab Expo typically attracts more than 800 exhibiting companies and more than 20,000 participants.
• The AACC Clinical Lab Expo includes manufacturers from all over the world, along with start-up companies bringing new technologies to the market. Most major companies with established international distribution report that more than half their earnings are coming from overseas.
• U.S. exhibitors can take advantage of prescheduled B2G appointments with Commercial Specialists from our international posts, organized by the International Buyer Program team.
• U.S. exhibitors can take advantage of B2B Matchmaking appointments with hundreds of international buyers, organized by the International Buyer Program team.

Visit the AACC website for more information.

For more information regarding the Department of Commerce International Buyer Program activities at AACC please contact:

Project Officer: Allison.Moore@trade.gov (Tel. 202-482-4874)

B2G Program: Margaret.Gottlieb@trade.gov (Tel. 314-239-4079)

B2B Program: Sally.Pacheco@trade.gov  (Tel. 816-421-0541)

Trade Show

Reserve your spot at Medica 2019 CEO Program to get your healthcare company into International Markets!

The CEO program is perfectly suited to provide your company with a customized experience at the world’s largest medical fair and provide the essentials to help you accomplish your goals onsite. Additionally, the space is supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce and has all the amenities of a full-fledged office right on the show floor. The Medica CEO Program includes A multi-lingual personal assistant/interpreter assigned to each participating company; a meeting table/private room; a receptionist; office services (computer, printer, copier, etc.); and an on-site refreshment area. Additionally CEO Participants receive entry into the Medica Exhibitor catalogue, year round promotion, and participation in our healthcare team programs including B2B matchmaking, meetings with market specialists and more. 

• Dates: November 18-21, 2019
• Where: Dusseldorf, Germany
• Cost: $6,200 for a table

For more information: Michael.Grossman@trade.gov or Anette.Salama@trade.gov