La eficiencia de los Hospitales Colombianos en el contexto Latinoamericano. Una aplicación de Análisis Envolvente de Datos (DEA) en un grupo de hospitales de alta complejidad, 2009 The efficiency of Colombian hospitals in the Latin American context. An application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in a group of complex surgeries hospitals, 2009

Los servicios médicos de alta complejidad constituyen un sector con alto potencial de generación de divisas y buen desempe o competitivo por el acceso a altos desarrollos tecnológicos. La medición de la eficiencia en este sector en el país es un aspecto importante si se quiere ser competitivo. Con una muestra de 20 hospitales y clínicas latinoamericanos en el a o 2009, utilizando la información suministrada por América Economía, se midió la eficiencia de 5 entidades colombianas incluidas allí. La medición se hizo mediante la metodología DEA. Los resultados arrojaron que 4 de las entidades colombianas se encuentran sobre la frontera de eficiencia y la restante solo debe hacer ajustes en el uso del espacio físico, en aquellos campos en los que esto sea posible. La conjunción de eficiencia, precios competitivos y calidad del servicio le auguran un buen futuro a los servicios médicos de alta complejidad en el país. Abstract The medical services of complex surgeries is a sector with high potential for generating foreign exchange and it owns a good competitive performance due the access to high technology developments. The measurement of efficiency in this sector in the country is an important aspect, if we want to be competitive. In a sample of 20 Latin American hospitals, was measured the efficiency of the group of 5 Colombian entities included there. The measurement was made by the DEA methodology. The results showed that 4 of the Colombian institutions are on the efficient frontier and the remaining one must make adjustments in the use of physical space in those areas where this is possible. The combination of efficiency, competitive prices and quality service, augur a good future for medical services of complex surgeries in Colombia. The medical services of complex surgeries is a sector with high potential for generatingforeign exchange and it owns a good competitive performance due the access to hightechnology developments. The measurement of efficiency in this sector in the countryis an important aspect, if we want to be competitive. In a sample of 20 Latin Americanhospitals, was measured the efficiency of the group of 5 Colombian entities includedthere. The measurement was made by the DEA methodology. The results showed that4 of the Colombian institutions are on the efficient frontier and the remaining one mustmake adjustments in the use of physical space in those areas where this is possible. Thecombination of efficiency, competitive prices and quality service, augur a good future formedical services of complex surgeries in Colombia.