HeAlTh

Milestones in the history of medicine in Colombia:

Pioneers in transplants:

Medellín did the first liver transplant in Latin America and the first trachea transplant worldwide Also, it performed the first heart, lung, bone marrow, kidney, stem cells and intestine transplants.

*Created the first valve laboratory and tissue bank.
*Leaders in Latin America in obesity surgery (gastric bypass and gastric billon)
*Leaders in Plastic and reconstructive Surgery in Colombia.

Medellín is THE capital of Colombia’s health, since it is leader in the rendering of health services of high specialization. The quality, experience and reputation of Antioquia’s medicine open doors to the health sector in the world market.

The city has an excellent academic and scientific professional education; with a wide network of hospitals and clinics, a state of the art technology and comprehensive service to the patients. Hospitals and clinics are equipped with last generation technology for diagnostic aids at competitive prices.

50% of hospitals and clinics accredited in Colombia are in Medellin.

It also has excellent universities which are well known in Latin America; some of the most representative institutions are: University of Antioquia, Cardiovascular Clinic, CES University, University Hospital San Vicente de Paul, Clínica Medellín, Clínica Las Américas, Clínica El Rosario, Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital, Clínica Las Vegas, among others

uTiLiTiEs

One of the manifestations of the progress of the city is the vigorous manner how throughout this century it has been able to use its natural resources. Today, our city is recognized as the Latin American capital with the best utilities infrastructure thanks to Empresas Públicas de Medellín (Medellin Utilities Company) which covers 95% of the population.

Medellín has a state of the art technology which includes an ample service portfolio in a smart web: power supply, gas, drinking water, sewer system, access to cable and WI – FI Internet, card and coin public phones, national and international long distance phone service, cable television, garbage collection and road ways provision.
Likewise, several generator and distributing companies that provide energy to Colombia and other countries in Latin America, operate in the city.

The utilities capacity and, the manner in which it manages its scientific and technological environment, have converted it into a technological city and undoubtedly, in an urban center that grew through industrialization, to become a metropolis.

TrAnSpOrTaTiOn aNd MoBiLiTy

Transportation and mobility

Medellín and Antioquia have had an important advance in transportation during the last few years thanks to a number of programs implemented by the National and State Government, such as, road security campaigns, investment in the infrastructure of roads, and several reforms to stimulate mobilization of vehicles and, the creation of new routes by the bus terminals.

In general terms, land transportation has showed growth rate increases in the last years, generating an increment in passenger mobilization towards different parts of the country.

Land transportation terminals

North terminal: Integrates bus, taxis and metropolitan train services. All national and inter municipal public transportation coming from the north of Valley of Aburra and the country, arrives at this Terminal; there are 47 transportation companies.

South terminal: National and inter municipal taxis and buses coming from the south of the Valley of Aburra and the country, arrive at this Terminal; there are 39 transportation companies.
Public transportation in the city

Metro: Medellín has the only metro system in the country; massive transportation system that since 1995 with its Line A, runs North-South and vice versa. The B Line runs from downtown towards west of the city and vice versa, moving more than 480.000 passengers daily. This modern and sophisticated transportation system solves the urban congestion problems. It runs between 4.00 A.M. and 11.00 P.M.



Metrocable:

The city has two funicular railway type aerial metro cables connected to the metro. One is located in the North Eastern area of the city and it has been in service since 2004, the second is located in the West part of the city and was put in service in 2008. This unique massive transportation system moves between 12.000 and 14.000 passenger each one daily. The metro ticket includes one trip in the metro cable.

Soon to come, the Metro Plus: system integrated to the metro, with 21 stations, it is expected to transport 164.000 passengers daily.

BUSES: The city has a private system of urban buses serving all areas of the Valley of Aburra and the Metropolitan area. All routes go downtown from the different areas, including the urban buses arriving from the municipalities belonging to the Metropolitan Area.
Average fare COP 1.300

CoNnEcTiViTy

Medellín is an accessible and equidistant place; it is connected with the highway Medellin-Bogota, which connects the city with the center of the country.

AIR ACCESS: It has two airports:

AIRPORT OLAYA HERRERA: Located within the city, next to Park Juan Pablo II. It serves domestic, regional and some national flights.

Airport José María Córdova:

Located at the municipality of Rionegro, in the eastern part of Antioquia, 40 kilometers away from the city and its metropolitan area.

This semicircular terminal is crowned by an immense transparent dome that covers the commercial, service and waiting areas of the airport; it serves as commercial and cargo airport for national and international flights...

Airlines offering their services to the city of Medellin

ToUrIsT pLaTfOrM

Safety

Medellín, is today one of the safest cities in Colombia and Latin America, thanks to an unprecedented cultural, social and urban transformation, it is reuniting again with the world and making part of the global community.

HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF THE HOMICIDE RATE IN MEDELLIN 1986-2007

Medellín is undergoing a “social urbanism” transformation that deals with the reconstruction of its social weave, its development and a better quality of life for its population.

It is a city that firmly believes in cohabitation and reconciliation, presenting a more cultural appearance and generating commitment among its citizens.

Important transformations have happened in our city during the last few years:
Investments in infrastructure in all areas of the city.
More commitment with the more vulnerable communities which have less financial resources.
Urban spaces are recovered and new ones are created for the citizens to enjoy.

Model city for peace processes and social reinsertion.More police force and guarantees for the security and justice organisms.
Programs of Inclusion, solidarity, education, health and cohabitation.

This is reflected in the construction of five new library parks, ten new schools and improvements in the old educational institutions.

GaStRoNoMy - HoMeMaDe DeSsErTs

Sweet fig with caramel spread



Miguelito

This dessert is prepared with figs cooked in syrup and filled with caramel spread, a typical Colombian dessert made of rice flour, milk and sugar. Is usually homemade, but it can now be found already prepared at grocery stores.








Guava paste



A jelly of guava sifting cooked with sugar up to the point of solidification, it can be combined with caramel spread. It used to be homemade, but is now an industrial product.

Dulce de brevas con arequipe

This dessert is prepared with cooked early fig in syrup filled with arequipe, that is a colombian tradicional dessert elaborated with rice flour, milk and sugar. It is a homedessert but you also can get it in the supermarket.

Bocadillo de guayaba

A jelly of guava with sugar, cooked until solidify point. They are only with guava or mixed with arequipe. It was a homedessert, kown it is an industrial product.

Coconut based sweets (panelitas)

Is a simple dessert to prepare and is based on brown sugar, cinnamon, and grated coconut

GaStRoNoMy - SnAcKs

Snacks

Among the best known snacks stand out the empanada (antioqueñan pie), the buñuelo (cheese puff), sausage with arepa, stuffed potatoes, chicken pie, cheese sticks, pan de bono and, sweet corn arepa