Resumen

GIL, Luciana-Victoria. Security, Autonomy and Industry: Medical Equipment in MERCOSUR. URVIO [online]. 2022, n.32, pp.8-26. ISSN 1390-4299.  https://doi.org/10.17141/urvio.32.2022.4990.

This article aims to analyze the main characteristics of the medical equipment industry in MERCOSUR, as well as decisions on this industry adopted since the COVID-19 pandemic. It starts by referring to the main theoretical discussions on health security and autonomy, identifying the role of medical equipment in both concepts. Afterward, the main characteristics of the medical equipment industry in Brazil and Argentina are analyzed, as well as the decisions adopted on a national and regional level. With a qualitative methodology, this research is based on a review of primary and secondary sources, as well as in-depth interviews. It is concluded that, even if Brazil and Argentina did recognize a renewed value of this industry, the lack of a regional perspective limits its capability of becoming a relevant sector for health security and autonomy in Latin America.

Palabras clave : Argentina; Brazil; medical industry; Southern Common Market; security.

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