The origin of the Colombian Cardiovascular Foundation ( FCV ) goes back to early 1980s field trips , when doctors Franklin Quiroz and Raul Castillo would take foreign visitors to rural towns in the Santander Department , in northeast Colombia , and notice the necessity of providing attention for cardiovascular ailments , especially among children . The FCV non-profit was founded in 1986 and began operations in facilities lent by other hospitals until 1997 , the year in which the first Instituto del Corazon opened in Floridablanca , near the city of Bucaramanga .

The 1998-2002 Financial Crisis : The Catalyst for Expansion The turn of the century was a difficult time for Colombian economy , the financial crisis affected most government agencies , including the Institute of Social Security , FCV ’ s main supporter . This prompted the Foundation to offer the most services and products possible its resources could provide , in order to generate enough cash flow to maintain ongoing operations .

Strategic Business Units FCV ’ s Strategic Business Units income is reinvested in the Foundation ; this way , new business units are created to satisfy patients ’ demands . Current business units are :

· FCV ’ s own hospitals

· Hospital and surgery supplies

· Bioengineering laboratory

84 May 2015

Healthcare Magazine May 2015 | Page 84

“ With the consolidation of other medical specialties , Colombians will have a complete alternative in healthcare services quality and cost ”