Inefficient health care systems, shortage of resources, and a lack of proper understanding of the impact and relevance of health technology in Venezuela are examined. Biomedical engineering R&D, which is carried out by six groups spread around the country, is discussed, focusing on the impact of the above factors. The structure of the health care system in Venezuela is described, and the characteristics of health care technology management are outlined. Ways to advance R&D in this environment are discussed. Some current research efforts are briefly described.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>