Access to high-end MRI technology in La Paz, Bolivia In Bolivia, there is no possibility to obtain an MRI scan at the internationally required standard level of 1.5 Tesla. Only a few MRI scanners can be found, using outdated technology up to 0.35 Tesla. Low resolution MRI means low quality, as such less functional for most medical indications. Details are missed, about 75% of the injuries cannot be diagnosed by these low-quality MRI. The investments in high-end MRI scans however are too expensive for most hospitals. This project will provide a solution by starting a diagnostic MRI service centre with two mobile MRI units to be parked next to hospitals or outpatient clinics. The centre will provide online diagnostic reports and pictures to the referral doctors, who can deliver medical advice to their patients. Cost of the service will be paid by insurance companies, private hospitals or the patients themselves. The joint venture will work with a social pricing system to assure access also for the poorest people, as a result prices will range between 1 euro to 150 euro per scan. The company will have a maximum capacity of 9,000 MRI scans and diagnostic conclusions per year. The centre will be based in La Paz and the mobile units will rotate within the poorer neighbourhoods of La Paz, El Alto and surrounding villages. The joint venture company is formed between Hospital Arco Iris in La Paz and Qmed B.V. of the Netherlands. Through this MRI diagnostic centre the health sector of Bolivia will be uplifted, enabling better medical diagnostic conclusions.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)The Diagnostic Centre will work according to the OECD guidelines and obtain the same certifications as HAI has and comply with the highest quality standards in Bolivia. All equipment meets with the specific requirements of quality provided by manufacturers like Siemens, Philips, etc. Furthermore, the knowledge of the Dutch NIAZ quality system will be implemented. There will be no discrimination on race, religion or gender on job applications, nor on acceptance of clients. Employees can join labour unions and are encouraged to express their opinions and ideas towards the management staff in order to find improvements in the operational process. Employees receive good salaries, have other fringe benefits and are encouraged to make progress in the hospital or educate themselves. The Centre will actively cooperate with 4 national universities on curricula development and traineeships. The Centre will have a strict policy on workplace safety and environmental management. It will form a policy on provision of local high quality organic food for the patients. Corruption will not be tolerated.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsWorking conditions are good, trainings will be provided on safety. The company will pay good salaries, nearly all salaries will be living wages, others will be paid 25% above local minimum wage. Fringe benefits like education possibilities, free lunch and all social provisions according to the strict labour law in Bolivia.•	Innovation/Transfer of knowledgeThere is no MRI scan at the standard level of 1.5 Tesla available in Bolivia. Only a few MRI scans can be found of 0.35 Tesla and lower. Low resolution MRI means less quality and less functional for most medical indications as no details can be observed. So, people cannot be diagnosed properly and people who can afford it travel to foreign countries for diagnosis and treatment. The project is new in terms of product, market, sectoral effect, service mode, logistics, organisation, and marketing.•	Chain effectsImpact on local suppliersThe impact will be on suppliers of insumables like contrast agents, helium, maintenance of the MRI units and the trailers.Impact on local customers or consumersThe impact will be very beneficial for local patients and local doctors, clinics, hospitals and health insurance companies. The patients will have access to affordable good diagnostics, also for BoP patients. So, the chance of proper treatment will increase and costs will decrease. The economic stronger part of the population does not have to travel anymore to other countries to receive a proper diagnosis and can be treated close to their family. The health sector will benefit as economically stronger patients will no longer be lost to clinics in other countries and the doctors/clinics will have the possibility of proper diagnosis without themselves investing in very expensive equipment. Insurance companies will have less costs of treatments.•	Impact on the sectorThe project will actively cooperate with 6 local Universities in education of radiologists, radiologic assistants, nurse practitioners and others. Training and research programmes will be started in connection with other countries like Argentina, Chile, Peru, USA, Canada and in Europe. When techniques get at a higher level, professionals become more critical about results on other chapters of medicine. This will affect the general functioning of the health system.•	EnvironmentThe Centre will separate and process its waste. Due to the electronic patient file there will be a decline in use of paper.•	Position of womenFifty percent of the employees will be women. Special support will be given to female employees with children. To start a medical diagnostic MRI service centre to provide access to a broad audience of the high-end MRI technology (1.5 Tesla). The company will have a maximum capacity of 9,000 MRI scans and diagnostic conclusions per year.