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Industry leaders joined Mexico Health Summit 2022 to educate and share their experiences as the sector undergoes a digital transformation. After a complex 2021, the industry is ripe and ready to thrive in the digital era after overcoming challenges and transforming them into opportunities to improve operations, optimize costs and, most importantly, to adopt a patientcentric model. This event gathered the expertise of multisectoral leaders of the health chain, allowing attendees to understand how tech and crisis created a novel, resilient industry that now offers the most innovative approaches to care provision to date. To thrive in this new health sector, Mexico must integrate novel approaches to incoming challenges such as climate change, geriatrics, genetic diagnosis, chronic diseases, blood management and precision medicine. All these hurdles must be addressed with a limited budget and while still handling the COVID-19 pandemic, for which providers have stressed that public-private collaboration is fundamental. Mexico’s long-time hurdles are still stopping the sector from reaching its full potential. The country has not yet overcome the medicine shortage crisis that began in 2019, to which providers in the private sector have been quick to offer solutions to bring medicines closer to patients. Mexico Health Summit 2022 demonstrated that it is possible to move forward, innovate and prevent health emergencies despite existing barriers. Companies and organizations are now embracing technology to accelerate efforts and improve patient outcomes, promising an even stronger sector for 2022.
4
C on f e r e nc e I m p act
133
Breakdown by job title
companies
21% 14% 38% 9% 7% 4% 4% 4%
286
conference participants
Director CEO / Director General Manager Associate/ Executive President/Board Member/Partner VP/CFO/COO Doctor Research/Analyst
60
speakers
Conference social media impact
7
sponsors
3,442 direct impressions during MHS
1,455
visitors to the conference website
Pre-conference social media impact 13,561 direct pre-conference LinkedIn impressions
3.19% click through rate during MHS
3.02% pre-conference click through rate
3.83% conference engagement rate
5.57% pre-conference engagement rate
Mexico’s leading B2B conference organizer introduces the world’s leading event networking platform. Delivering intent-based matchmaking powered by Artificial Intelligence that connects the right people. Network, no matter where you are.
193
Matchmaking intentions
participants
895
matchmaking communications
96
1:1 meetings conducted
1,110 Trading Total
1,865
113 Recruitment 333 Investment
5
C om p an y Att e ndanc e •
AbbVie
•
Dalus Capital
•
MEDINCAR
•
Aidicare
•
DELEGACIÓN DE QUEBEC
•
Medisi America
•
Alitea Life Science
•
Deloitte
•
Medpacom
•
Alivia Clinica de Alta
•
Department for International
•
MeetingDoctors
Trade Mexico
•
Meraki smart solutions
•
AMELAF, A.C.
•
DHL Global Forwarding
•
Mexican Council of
•
Amicis Pharma
•
DIAGNOSTICA MORENO
•
AMID
•
AMIIF
•
Anadim
• •
Especialidad
Clinical Pathology
LABORATORIO MEDICO
•
México Sin Alérgenos
•
DocInWay
•
MexicoView
•
DocTour
•
MMM Holdings
Apotex
•
DocuSign
•
Netherlands Embassy
Arcus
•
Duppla
in Mexico
ARROBA INGENIERIA,
•
DVA Health & Nutrition
•
SA DE CV
•
EC
•
NURA Health Science
•
Art Tecnica SA de CV
•
Ecaresoft Inc.
•
nutriADN
•
asesoriaenfarmacias.com
•
Elipse
•
OLARTE Y AKLE
•
Asistensi Global Insurance
•
Eolis
•
Olivares & Cia.
•
Asociación Insurtech
•
Evonik Mexico S.A de C.V.
•
Omron
•
ASPEN LABS
•
Farmacia Paris S.A. de C.V.
•
Omron Healthcare
•
AstraZeneca
•
Farmalisto
•
Oxford Nanopore Technologies
•
Avalon Pharmaceutical
•
FARMAPIEL
•
PharmaLinea Ltd.
•
Baker Mckenzie
•
Frontier View
•
Pragmatec
•
BioMarin
•
Genomma Lab
•
PROA
•
Bobbinet
•
Geonomics England
•
PROSPERiA
•
Boston Scientific
•
Global Health Intelligence
•
PSQR
•
Brella
•
Grünenthal
•
Pyco Medical
•
British Embassy
•
Grupo Lister
•
QbD Mexico
•
Canifarma
•
Grupo Médico Rossano
•
Randall Laboratories,
•
Cardinal Health Mexico
•
GS1 México
514 S de RL de CV
•
Health Gorilla
•
Reckitt
•
CEI
•
HETERODRUGS
•
RGA Reinsurance Company
•
Centro de Investigación Sophia
•
Holland House Mexico
•
Rossbach de México
•
CENTRO DIAGNÓSTICO
•
Hospital
HATVER
•
Hospital Infantil Federico
•
Sánchez Devanny
•
NUBIX
S.A. de C.V.
S.A de C. V.
•
Centro Médico ABC
Gómez esta como
•
Sarstedt
•
CHG-Meridian México
HIMFG cambiarlo plis
•
seca sistemas médicos
•
Christus CEI
•
Imperial College London
•
CHRISTUS Center
•
IMSS
•
Siemens Healthineers
of Excellence
•
Indukern de México,
•
Silanes
S.A. de C.V.
•
Sociedad Mexicana
• •
CHRISTUS Excellence
de Medición
and Innovation Center
•
Instituto Nacional de Geriatría
CHRISTUS HEALTH
•
INTERNACIONAL
•
Sofía
FARMACEUTICA
•
SSA
EXCELLENCE AND
de Salud Pública
INNOVATION CENTER LATAM
•
IQVIA
•
Starmedica Aguascalientes
•
Christus Muguerza
•
King’s College London
•
Strategic Technology
•
CidVID
•
Klaver
•
CIRCUTOR México, Centro
•
Laboratorios Alfasigma
•
T5DC
México SA de CV
•
Tecnológico de Monterrey
América y Caribe
Bioconsulting
•
City Council
•
LABORATORIOS GUERRERO
•
tecsalud
•
CLINICA RESPONSABLE
•
LMP
•
Terapify
OPERATIVA, S.C.
•
Macrotech HEALTH
•
TEVA PharmaAdvice
•
Cold Chain Technologies
•
Mamotest
•
Trifermed
•
Consejo mexicano
•
Medartis Mexico
•
UDIMEB
de neurología
•
MedCity
•
Ultragenyx Pharmaceuticals
Consultores Universales
•
Médica Sur
•
Vitalmex
en Salud
•
Medical Vive
•
Welbe
Crowdstrike
•
MEDICE Arzneimittel
•
Zenda.la
• •
6
P r og r am D ay 1 09:00
HEALTH AS A FUNDAMENTAL ISSUE FOR COP26
Speaker: Jon Benjamin, UK Ambassador to Mexico 09:45
MEXICO HEALTHCARE OVERVIEW
Speaker: Alec Lee, FrontierView 10:15
REDEFINING HEALTHCARE: STATE OF THE SECTOR
Speaker: Alexandro Arias, Deloitte 11:15
MEXICAN HEALTHTECH ECOSYSTEM
Moderator: Cristina Raunich, Terapify Panelists: Cristina Campero, PROSPERiA Oscar de la Garza, Medpacom Gustavo Rodríguez, nutriADN Amiel Rosales, nubix 12:30
DIGITAL HEALTH REGULATION IN MEXICO: HITS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Moderator: Juan Luis Serrano Leets, Sánchez Devanny Panelists: Víctor Sánchez, Pragmatec Fabiola Fajardo, Alitea Andrea Arozamena, GS1 Gabriela Lerma Valencia, IQVIA Christian López-Silva, Baker McKenzie 13:15
MEDICINE, DEVICES ACQUISITION PROCESSES THAT IMPROVE, GUARANTEE TREATMENT
Panelists: Ana Riquelme, AMID Karla Báez, AMIIF Rafael Gual, CANIFARMA 15:00
REDEFINING TECH SKILLS FOR HEALTH TALENT
Moderator: Nidia Garza, MMM Holdings Panelists: Jorge Zita, CrowdStrike Igor Renan Maciel da Costa, Docusign Sonia Mayra Pérez Tapia, UDIBI-IPN Jorge Valdéz, Tecnológico de Monterrey 15:45
MEXICO’S HEALTH BURDEN: CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Speaker: Omar Tomey, AbbVie 16:30
STRENGTHENING PRIMARY CARE ATTENTION THROUGH TECH
Moderator: Mario Aguillón, Zenda.la Panelists: Guillermo Pepe, Pragmatec Andrés González-Silén, GS1 Carina Reverter, Meeting Doctors Eduardo Medeiros, Welbe Care 17:15
THE IMPORTANCE OF DRUG, SUPPLY ACCESS
Moderator: Marcos Pascual, ANAFARMEX Panelists: Ignacio Merino, Farmacia Paris Américo García, Apotex Rodrigo Fernández, TEVA Pharmaceuticals
7
PR O G R A M D AY 2
09:00
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNOLOGIES FOR GENOMIC CAPABILITIES
Moderator: Ivana Poparic, MedCity Panelists: Michael Johnson, Imperial College London Katherine Melville, Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd. Gerome Breen, King’s College Londone Damian Smedley, Queen Mary University 09:45
PERSONALIZED, PRECISION MEDICINE AND DEVICES
Moderator: Sandra Sánchez, PharmaAdvice Panelists: David López, BioMarin Pharmaceuticals México Jaen Velazquez, Siemens Healthineers 10:45
A ROADMAP TO A DIGITAL HOSPITAL
Moderator: Santiago Yeomans, Christus CEI Panelists: Sandra García, Médica Sur Jorge Camargo, Ecaresoft Juan Caceres, Aidicare 12:30
POPULATION’S HEALTH TRANSITIONING TRENDS
Panelists: Cristobal Thompson, AMIIF Luis Miguel Gutierrez Robledo, National Geriatrics Institute Marlene Llópiz, CRO Mexicana Vanessa Ballarte, Omron Health Care 13:15
TRACEABILITY AND DATA FOR HEALTH LOGISTICS
Moderator: Jaime Castro, QbD Mexico’s Office Panelists: Miguel Angelo Ricchiuti, Apotex Liliana Castillo Bautista, DHL Global Forwarding México 15:00
VALUE AND IMPACT OF PATIENT BLOOD MANAGEMENT
Moderator: Arturo Vivas, Sarstedt Panelists: Christa Seipelt, Sarstedt Rafael Guerrero García, Mexican Council of Clinical Pathology Israel Parra Ortega, Mexico Children’s Hospital Federico Gómez 15:45
INNOVATION, ITINERANT ARTICULATED SERVICES
Speakers: Ramon Mier, Vitalmex Carlos Alcantara, Mexico Children’s Hospital Federico Gómez 16:30
INNOVATION, WEB 3.0 & BLOCKCHAIN
Speaker: Andrew Ahachinsky, Bobbinet LATAM
8
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights
HEALTH SYSTEMS TO BENEFIT FROM FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Five years after the singing of the Paris
Benjamin discussed the responsibility
Climate Agreement, the goal of limiting
countries worldwide have to implement
the increase in global warming below 2° C
sustainable practices as climate change
has not been reached. While healthcare is
is also a public health issue and must be
seldomly considered to be directly linked
addressed as such. Healthcare has been
to climate change, the latter impac ts
a fundamental value in the UK’s identity,
numerous health indicators so it became
explained Benjamin, as its national health
one of the priority areas of the 26th UN
ser vice is considered one of the best
Climate Change Conference (COP26).
worldwide. The country also is known for scientific breakthroughs in biomedical
“Today, we are at a breaking point and
and health innovation. The incorporation
immediate action is needed,” said Jon
of technology into the private or public
Benjamin, UK’s Ambassador to Mexico,
national health system is fundamental but
during Mexico Health Summit 2022. Last
following COP26 these processes must be
November, the UK presided over COP26,
undertaken sustainably, said Benjamin.
which hosted over 200 countries from across the world to discuss best practices
A specific health program to support UN
and work towards committing to limiting
countries to strengthen these fronts through
global warming to 1.5° C.
the adequate use of available resources was developed at COP26, including five campaign
Climate change has a direct impact on
goals that aim to fight climate change and
public health because it affects air and
drive member countries closer to a zero-
water quality and food supply. In Mexico,
emission economy: adaptation and resilience,
for example, climate change has increased
energy transition, clean transport, nature and
the number of areas where dengue fever
ecosystems and green finance. This includes
has become endemic, affecting mainly
“Creating climate resilient health systems that
the most disadvantaged communities
support food and water sanitation ensuring
and increasing health inequalities. As a
a rapid transition to clean renewable energy
commitment to these populations, every
for health’s facilities, promoting healthy and
nation must adapt sustainable planning
sustainable transport systems, protecting
into its national healthcare system.
and restoring ecosystems to sustainable
9
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights livelihoods and inventing a climate-resilient
are developed, Benjamin said, the more cost
health system with zero carbon emissions,”
effective they can be.
said Benjamin. “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the The WHO, in partnership with Healthcare
importance of having reliable and effective
W ith o ut H a r m , th e U N FCCC C li m ate
health systems as the main line of events to
Champions and the G lobal Climate
protect populations from emerging threats.
and Health Alliance (GCHA), helped to
It is essential for health systems to transform
develop the COP26 Health Program to
themselves to understand their vulnerabilities
enable transformational change in health
and to create the capacity to adapt to possible
systems globally. Governments need to
threats, all while being sustainable,” said the
commit to conducting a climate change
ambassador.
and health vulnerability and adaptation assessment, develop a national adaptation
Governments will lead these commitments
plan and facilitate funding for climate
by promoting new policies and regulations
change projects related to healthcare.
that help prevent climate change and all
Simultaneously, decarbonization is crucial to
countries can participate in the adaptation
meet the committed goal of limiting global
of these changes. As Benjamin said: “the
temperature increase to 1.5° C. The sooner
benefits are evident and compelling, and
these sustainable low carbon health systems
our future generations and their healthcare depend on it.”
LIMITED BUDGETS, PRIMARY CARE TO AFFECT RECOVERY: FRONTIER VIEW As COVID-19 cases decrease, Mexico’s
Mexico’s macroeconomic growth has three
healthcare sector faces numerous challenges
main takeaways that will affect all sectors.
in the form of budget restrictions, limited
Initially, “Mexico’s economic recovery will
primary care and diagnostics, a pension deficit
continue in 2022 mainly on the back of
and the migration of medical professionals
exports to the US but the country, alongside
to the private sector, said Alec Lee, Director
Argentina, will be one of the last to recover to
of Healthcare Research, Frontier View
pre-pandemic levels among Latin America’s
Strategy Group. Lee also discussed potential
top markets,” Lee said. Secondly, market
opportunities for Mexico’s healthcare sector.
players can expect consumer spending to
10
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights
bounce back as a part of this recovery due
the increased healthcare funding as a result
to better Mexican labor market prospects
of the pandemic is likely to continue as a
and strong remittances. Finally, firms in the
trend for future years.
country’s healthcare sector “will need to cope with inflationary pressures until 2023, mainly
T h e a p p r ove d b u d g e t f o r 2 0 2 2 h a s
driven by faster-than-expected demand
notable increases for INSABI, vaccines
recovery and supply chain disruptions.”
and the healthcare industry as a whole. The Ministry of Health’s average budget
Frontier View forecasts that the economic
totals by state are noticeably higher in
recovery will continue this year despite
M orena par t y affiliate d states , where
the various downside risks laid out ahead
there has been an average 32 percent
but the expected economic stimulus will
increase (including the nation’s capital)
remain below 2 percent during 2022 based
compared to 2 percent increase for states
on export-led growth. In its forecasts,
not associated with the party. Additionally,
the firm considered the global COVID-19
37 percent of the year’s budget will go
outlook, Mexico’s COVID-19 environment,
towards “subsidies and transfers.”
the international growth environment, economic stimulus , President Andrés
In the aftermath of the pandemic, which is
Manuel López Obrador’s 2022 recall survey,
seemingly in-sight as the explosive fourth
Mexico-US relations and the infrastructure
wave continues to die down, primary care
plan. Frontier View’s pessimistic scenario
decreasing below pre-pandemic levels
forecasts a recovery in 2028, which is 20
could result in many undiagnosed patients
percent likely. Its base scenario forecasts
as screenings have decreased nationwide.
a recovery in 2023, which is 70 percent
H owever, private sec tor ser vices and
likely, and its optimistic scenario forecasts
p ro c e d u re vo l u m e s a re ex p e c te d to
a recovery in 2022 that is 10 percent likely.
see a recovery sooner than those in the public sector.
Even though the government ’s budget proposal for 2022 prioritizes health much
According to Frontier View’s analytics,
more than in past years with an approved
challenges for a recovery of non-COVID-19
increase of MX$1.58 billion (US$77.5 million),
related treatments in the healthcare sector
Lee believes Mexico still has not reached an
include IMSS’ pension deficit explosion in
ideal financing for the sector because budget
the last 12 months and the migration of
increases are lower than inflation. However,
medical professionals from the public to
11
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights the private sector even though less than
this Lee sees two possible key action
three percent of the country’s population
steps: having private insurance facilitates
is covered by private health insurance.
access through low-cost premiums and
Additionally, patients will face difficulties
digital health policy advancing access
in self-financing as the continued stockouts
to insurance, which has been the case in
seen in hospitals will also play a role. For
Brazil’s successful telehealth policy.
THE CHALLENGING PATH TOWARD INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE The industry is moving toward new health
This layer can be built around workplaces,
delivery models, which are oriented around
schools, hospitals, clinics, retail stores and
the patient rather than the provider.
community facilities, taking advantage of digital tools.
The transition toward integral, integrated healthcare in Mexico will be filled with
“Monitoring and diagnostics are crucial for
challenges, which are outweighed by the
silent diseases. An early diagnosed disease
benefits to the economy and wellbeing..
is better treated and reduces system costs. Being [Mexico’s] a disintegrated system, there
“This situation impacts directly on the general economy. The money used for health expenses is replacing other expenses that people used to make ”
is not enough information to treat patients. This is one of the greatest opportunities in the sector. With enough data, patients will be treated more efficiently, both in-person or virtually,” said Arias.
Alexandro Arias Partner - Life Sciences & Heath Care Leader S-Latam | Deloitte
Among the aspects taken into account for patients’ wellbeing, the pandemic did not only impact the physical side of the patients, it also affected their mental and financial
The current state of health delivery focuses
health. Lockdowns and mourning impacted
primarily on physical health, with models
mental health, which has not been addressed
oriented around the provider offering
with the importance it deserves, said Arias.
fragmented and analog experiences that have
The financial side was also affected during
negative consequences both for the patient’s
the pandemic.
health and for the country’s economy, said Alexandro Arias, Partner - Life Sciences
In Mexico, over 50 percent of health
and Heath Care Leader S-Latam, Deloitte.
expenditure comes from the public sector,
“There are cost overruns when information
40.7 percent is paid out of pocket and 7.3
is lost between doctors, in time between
percent is paid by private insurers, reported
appointments and non-attachment to
MBN. Out-of-pocket expenditure increased
treatments, causing patients to have a decline,
during the pandemic due to people’s
which will translate to a greater cost for the
unwillingness to visit hospitals. “This situation
health system and the economy in general.”
impacts directly on the general economy. The money used for health expenses is replacing
The future of health delivery models is
other expenses that people used to make,”
patient-centric, taking into account the
said Arias.
spiritual, emotional, financial, social, mental and physical conditions when discussing
Integrated care is whole-person, team-based
wellness or illness, said Arias. For this integral
care that provides access to affordable,
approach, “we must create a layer around”
evidence-based care at a population level
patients that includes education, counseling,
and across the care continuum, said Arias.
monitoring, diagnostics, insights, behavioral
With the patient at the center, there are
nudges, intervention and treatment, he added.
four key areas where actors across diverse
12
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights sectors converge. One of these key areas
the core technology capabilities that enable
is the primary care team, which includes
cross-functional stakeholders to capture
health generalists, social workers, nursing
and access it; wellbeing and care delivery,
staff, pharmacists, nutritionists and health
which are the physical and virtual care
coaches. Then, the specialist care team
facilities that provide the care services; and
includes all non-primary care members
care enablement, which involves the clinical
involved in the patient’s healthcare, such as
operational and financial factors and services
surgeons, endocrinologists or cardiologists.
that promote access to care.
The other two key areas, said Arias, are social-community support and digital care
“Today, there are unique opportunities to
tools such as telehealth, remote patient
reform the underlying structures of public
monitoring or digital therapeutics and self-
health. However, there are also extreme
management tools.
challenges, such as a decades-long backlog of funding needs, a global pandemic, ongoing
A patient-centric, integrated healthcare
preventable chronic disease epidemics and
improves the patient’s experience, which
pervasive inequities that threaten our health,
translates to general benefits that include
longevity and trust in government and its
decreased hospitalization and readmission,
leadership,” said Arias.
lower rates of avoidable healthcare utilization, improved quality of work atmosphere, better
The Mexican healthcare system, with lag, “is
communication and lower burnout rates
preparing to become more flexible, grow and
among healthcare professionals, said Arias.
reduce its size according to its needs,” said
“During the peaks of the pandemic, healthcare
Arias. He added that the 15.2-percent increase
professionals’ burnout was impressive. They
in the public spending on health “is one of the
worked 24-hour, 36-hour shifts.” Integral,
most important in the last years.”
team-based healthcare for chronic patients reduces hospitalization by 18.6 percent, which
While the path toward integrated healthcare
translates into cost savings, according to a
will be challenging, multiple players are
comparative study.
already transforming their health delivery models, creating a positive ecosystem to
An integrated care model design must
boost patient-centric care. Overcoming the
be grounded in all three foundational
challenges will represent important benefits
components to effectively operate, said Arias.
for Mexicans’ health and the country’s
These components are: data, which needs
economy as a whole.
13
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights ENTREPRENEURS WORK TO CREATE A MEXICAN HEALTHTECH ECOSYSTEM As the digital transformation permeates
the economic stability relies on healthcare,
the health sector, creating a complete
especially on health professionals, who are
healthtech ecosystem has become the goal
the ones we are targeting to support with
of industry providers. Healthtech has proven
novel tech developments.”
to be a bridge for care provision and as local companies further develop solutions, results
Innovation goes beyond ideas and
show more precise outcomes.
imagination, “it requires a technological base and must respond to a current trend to
In Mexico, “medtech companies share the
succeed,” explains Gustavo Rodríguez, CEO,
common goal of closing the tech gap that
nutriADN. To date, technology adoption
exist s in h ealth and propel a digital
has been favored by the limitations caused
advancement for the country,” said Cristina
by the pandemic, which was a watershed
Campero, CEO, PROSPERiA. Local health
that made embracing technology a natural
developments have a unique focus and thus,
process, said Rodríguez.
unique outcomes. They are created for Mexico’s population profile and target the
Moreover, as digital health has been more
needs of a fragmented system that depends
open and receptive, it has promoted a culture
almost entirely on the patient’s chosen
of prevention. “Users have adopted a new
treatment and provider, according to Amiel
social behavior based on tech for daily life
Rosales, CEO, Nubix.
activities, including through healthcare apps,” said Rodriguez.
“There is a gray area where we have to guess and try to communicate with COFEPRIS to create a
Another pivotal part of success are healthcare
regulatory pathway. PROSPERiA, for
professionals: “they must understand the
instance, has an endorsement from
added value of our solutions. The doctor is
COFEPRIS where it acknowledges there is
the first implementer, giving credibility and
no regulation for us but for investors it is
supporting our developments. If this fails,
still a gray are ”
achieving a true impact is difficult,” said de
Cristina Campero CEO | PROSPERiA
la Garza. There are several ways to approach doctors, but based on Medpacom’s experience, approaching recognized institutions and
To date, entrepreneurs consider Mexico to
schools that doctors respect and trust is
be in the golden age to launch healthcare
an effective way to introduce these new
technology. “We are making life easier for
technologies. “Even so, introducing healthtech
users in terms of operations, practices,
subjects to these institutions is difficult, as
administration, costs, mobility and health.
there are actors who trust foreign solutions
B a se d o n co m p etitive n e s s , if a te ch
more than with Mexican ones. This is why it
solution is not disruptive, it does not have
has been more effective for us to approach
a good future,” said Oscar de la Garza,
the new generations of doctors to promote
CEO, Medpacom.
our solutions,” de la Garza said.
De la Garza explains that in this digital age
Entrepreneurs have learned that lack of trust
and transformation, many startups have
from healthcare providers is a barrier to
consolidated business models that have
succeed in this market. “Health services have
proven their effectiveness and capacity for
been working the same way for decades,
regional expansion. “But to further expand
with a traditional and paternal dynamic
our services, the country needs to accept that
from the physician. However, delegating
14
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights responsibility to other actors has also proven
COFEPRIS to create a regulatory pathway.
to be effective,” explains Campero.
PROSPERiA, for instance, has an endorsement from COFEPRIS where it acknowledges there
Tech will help professionals provide a higher
is no regulation for us but for investors it is still
quality of diagnosis and consultations. “By
a gray area,” said Campero.
generating confidence in the solution and understanding that tech is here to cooperate
Entrepreneurs also shared that investment,
and not to replace, providers will be creating
especially from local sources, has also been
a harmony that will break the challenge of
challenging. The IMF estimates that low and
interoperability,” said Rosales.
middle-income countries will decrease their health budgets, leading to a need for local
Novel solutions can create an ecosystem
enterprises to play a larger role by contributing
that supports intercommunication so these
to the reduction of diseases. By supporting
integrated platforms allow patients to be
these developments, investors are helping to
guided in their health journey, while informing
reduce governmental underinvestment.
them which solutions they can access, how they can access them and what benefits they
Investment in healthcare is low in comparison
will gain from them, said Campero.
to areas like fintechs because “for investors [fintech] is exciting, it is booming,” said de
In their journey to position their solutions in
la Garza. However, he explained that health
the market and in standard medicine practice,
is indispensable and investors should be
education for providers and patients has been
looking for options to democratize health.
essential, said Cristina Raunich, CMO, Terapify.
“Tech saves costs, supports diagnosis and
“There is not much education pertaining
is essential to change the system. Investing
to topics such as genetics, for example,”
US$1 in health saves you US$6. Investing in
Rodriguez said, “so creating training and
health is profitable and brings long-term
courses on topics that were not addressed
results, which is why it takes time to make
in education or included in awareness
profit but it is undoubtedly profitable,” de
campaigns is important to facilitate adoption
la Garza said.
of tech and prevention.” While investment in health exists, it is focused Apart from education and evangelization,
on medicines, surgeries and devices, said
entrepreneurs have also pioneered in
Rodriguez. “I invite investors to look back to
regulation and regulatory initiatives, as Mexico
our biological origins and reconsider if we
lacks clear regulations for innovation or new
need more of that innovation or if we need
developments. “There is a gray area where we
to invest in innovation that drives a change
have to guess and try to communicate with
that avoids health events.”
15
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights
DIGITAL HEALTH REGULATION IN MEXICO: HITS, OPPORTUNITIES Mexico has an urgent need for regulation
require smart regulation and different levels
in the healthcare sector after the pandemic
of intervention depending on circumstances.
exacerbated digitalization and the adoption
Mexico usually relies on authorizations and
of new technological innovations, agreed
notifications but the system must realize that
industry experts during the panel “Digital
not everything requires an authorization. A
Health Regulation in Mexico: Hits and
modern regulatory framework that follows
Opportunities.”
risk analysis can determine what actually requires authorization and what does not.
Digihealth is in a unique position as it combines tech and healthcare to give Mexican
Regulator y concerns are increasingly
citizens access to health services and digital
prominent considering that digital health
technologies, said Juan Luis Serrano Leets,
is expected to grow 10 percent in the next
Partner- Life Sciences, Sánchez Devanny.
five years in Mexico due to greater access
However, despite the significant impact it
to mobile devices and the pandemic’s
has on companies, medics and patients,
acceleration of technology, said Víctor
regulation is lacking, he added.
Sánchez, CEO, Pragmatec. This phenomenon is creating new ways of providing healthcare
Because digihealth merges health and
that were previously not even imagined.
information, its regulation must not only focus
Under these circumstances, regulation will
on health regulation but also on information
impact not only the final user but also doctors
technologies to avoid skipping important
who trust that the technologies have passed
steps such as technological neutrality, said
regulations and companies who invest in
Christian López-Silva, Partner, Head of
the health sector. Technological innovations
Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences, Baker
brought by Industry 4.0, AI, big data, IOT and
Mckenzie. To do so, regulation identifies
digihealth must be addressed federally as well
sanitary risks and prepares for potential
as by state.
eventualities. Sanitary regulation also promotes innovation, Regulation in digital health also brings different
said Sánchez, but it must arrive at the right
concerns at different levels. In mobile apps,
time. Setting regulations too early can break
for example, companies and regulators must
the cycles of generation of new knowledge.
distinguish between medical purposes and
But if set too late, new applications can
wellbeing purposes. These small distinctions
run into issues with formerly developed
16
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights technologies. Therefore, regulation should
Arozamena, Healthcare Linkage Leader,
be considered in intermediary steps once
GS1. Not having a clear regulation opens
prototypes are ready and readjustments can
the door to products without assurance and
be made, said Sánchez.
security, but the regulation process should flow in the same direction as the operation,
Regulation is a necessity because digihealth
said Arozamena. GS1 has observed poor
is here to stay, said Fabiola Fajardo, Strategic
communication between the government
Consultant, Alitea. But digihealth is only a tool
and the industry. Uniting efforts and following
and as such it needs to be regulated.
international examples facilitate the flexibility
Digihealth will impact companies by affecting
to innovate by allowing demonetization,
the interoperability between the public and
democratization and dematerialization in
private sector, the capacity of reimbursement
access to digihealth.
with insurance companies and the impact perceived by investors. For doctors, digihealth
This technology brings numerous benefits
will mean a temporary workload increase that
to the sector such as empowerment and
has long-term benefits and increases demand
increased accessibility geographically,
for services at decentralized clinical practices..
said Gabriela Lerma Valencia, Contract Sales & Medical Solutions BU Director,
“But if set too late, new applications can run into issues with formerly developed technologies. Therefore, regulation should be considered in intermediary steps once prototypes are ready and readjustments can be made ”
Victor Sánchez CEO | Pragmatec
IQVIA. However, it is necessary for patients and doctors to have guarantees regarding the use of their data. It is also necessary to have a regulation that ensures all players are well informed regarding regulated m a r ket s , te l e m e d i ci n e , p re s c ri pti o n s a n d d ig it a l fi l e m a n a g e m e nt , a m o n g other areas. Challe nges in th e roa d to imple m e nt digihealth
include
the
cultural
transformation to adopt these digital A regulatory framework will bring benefits
so l utio n s , p o o r inte ro p e ra bilit y, la ck
not only for innovation in digihealth but also
o f i n f o r m a ti o n re g a rd i n g th e u s e o f
in the infrastructure of telecommunications,
these technologies, literalizing digital
according to Fajardo. Germany’s 2019 Digital
information and limited accessibility due
Healthcare Act, considered a pioneer in the
to the discrepancy between the public and
matter, provides an example to follow with
private sectors. For patients in the public
fast-track evaluation to show its effect in
sector, there are other types of challenges:
the sector.
problems related to storage, data property and security. However, the implementation
Digihealth must be regulated to guarantee
of further technologies such as AI can be
its quality and efficiency, said Andrea
a strong tool in overpassing these hurdles.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE DIALOGUE IS CRUCIAL TO GUARANTEE MEDICAL SUPPLIES Public medicine and medical device supply
planning, processes and monitoring, agreed
has been one of the main issues for the
industry experts.
health industry since the Acquisition Law was changed. A path to improve and
“Public-private collaboration is required
guarantee treatment for patients will only
to have conversations regarding inventory
be possible if the public and private sectors
control and institutional strengthening. The
have open dialogue and work together on
pharmaceutical industry is a strong, important
17
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights sector for the country and all actors involved
positive. The lack of planning has led to
in the value chain have the need to work with
shortages. We have an enviable industry in
legal certainty. We all share the same end
Mexico, with the capacity to supply the entire
goal, which is to deliver medical supplies to
market. For instance, 97 percent of allocations
the patient,” said Karla Báez Ángeles, Director
given by UNOPS were previously handled by
of Access to Innovation, AMIIF.
companies established in the country,” said Rafael Gual, Director General, CANIFARMA.
An early sign of inconsistencies with public medicine supply came with changes to
The main catalyst to work toward securing
the Acquisition Law for medicines and
medicine supply is to collaborate as a sector
medical supplies, as reported by MBN. The
with effective, permanent communication
new regulations involved a consolidated
channels with the government, said Báez.
purchasing model that would centralize
“We need planning, clarity of processes,
operations through INSABI. The move was
certainty of times and traceability to enable
meant to bring savings and support the
this monitoring of supplies reaching the end
current federal administration’s austerity and
goal, which in turn will create a virtuous circle
anti-corruption policies, as a single institution
to allow correct, strategic planning.”
would be acquiring medicines for all states. Although communication is key for successful However, the federal government removed
planning, the public sector is not considering
distribution companies from the equation and,
the private sector in the conversation, said
as a result, each public institution and state
Gual. “[At CANIFARMA] every six years
had to send its own orders. The complexity
we elaborate a development program for
of this change drove the government to
the pharmaceutical industry. We play a
implement new adjustments, leading the
crucial role within the health ecosystem and
Mexican government and UNOPS to sign a
unfortunately, we were excluded from the
“technical assistance” agreement for the
conversation. There must be a dialogue in
administration and management of projects
which we can contribute with our knowledge
and the acquisition of goods and services.
and experience to have a win-win situation
Later, on July 31, 2021, INSABI and UNOPS
between the private and public sectors.”
signed a new agreement, called “Acquisition of medicines and healing materials,” which
Mexico is Fertile Ground for
empowered the UN-backed organization to
Clinical Research, Innovation
carry out the bidding procedures to supply medicines to the Mexican health system
Open dialogue between the public and
between 2021 and 2024.
private sectors must include innovative initiatives, such as clinical research, to attract
The industry’s main worry with the transition
investment to Mexico. While the country has
to these new models is that while “the
potential to become the top research hub in
international scheme places us in a healthy
Latin America, Mexico is not taking advantage
competition, which can bring benefits,” large
of it, agreed industry experts.
transitions and process modifications usually are difficult and take time to absorb, said
Logistic chains across the world are
Báez. Although the government has said
experiencing severe problems and North
that the healthcare system is saving money
America is facing challenges to supply
while guaranteeing supplies, the media
certain pharmaceutical chemicals due to
reported several medicine shortages at public
its dependence on the Asian market, said
institutions during the past two years.
Gual. “We are not exploiting the potential of the country in the research field. We are
“The results [of the changes to the Acquisition
promoting the production of pharmaceutical
Law] have been frankly bad. The processes
chemicals in Mexico to avoid depending
carried out by UNOPS have also not been
on the Asian production chains and taking
18
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights advantage of the US’s need to boost
with Mexico’s population, which represents 1.6
collaboration between the two countries.”
percent of the total world population, the US has only 4.2 percent of the population and 40
Mexico has all the needed ingredients to
percent of all clinical trials in the world.
attract investment to the country to foster innovation and clinical research, from
The path to solve medicine supply shortages
researchers to facilities and well-designed
and guarantee treatment for Mexican patients
processes, said Báez.
must start with communication, planning and certainty, said Ana Riquelme, Executive
With its large population, closeness to the
Director, AMID. “We are all in the same boat.
US, well-trained physicians, large network of
Everyone is susceptible to becoming a patient
public hospitals and responsive regulatory
and we must work together with authorities
entity, Mexico looks on paper as an ideal
to find solutions. If we do not achieve this in
destination for clinical trials, reported MBN.
the following three years, we will continue
Moreover, the country is the largest exporter
experiencing problems.”
of medical devices in Latin America and the eighth largest in the world. Mexico is also the
Improving acquisition processes and
leading exporter of pharmaceutical products
guaranteeing treatment for patients will need
in Latin America and the second-largest
all actors to get involved. The life sciences
market for pharmaceuticals in the region.
industry, both medicine and medical devices,
However, only 1.1 percent of all clinical trials
must be seen by the government as part
done in the world were carried out in Mexico.
of the solution rather than the problem to
Although this figure seems to be consistent
advance toward a better healthcare system.
TECHNOLOGY TO MANAGE CHRONIC DISEASES Although the COVID-19 pandemic has taken
cause of disability. In Mexico, 80 percent
the spotlight in health, chronic diseases
of deaths pre-pandemic were caused by a
continue being one of the largest crises
chronic disease and in 2021, over 1.5 million
populations worldwide are facing, said
new cases were reported between January
Omar Tomey, Medical Director, AbbVie
and June. The prevalence of chronic diseases
Mexico, during Mexico Health Summit
is greatly influenced by overweight and age.
2022. Worldwide, chronic diseases cause
In Mexico, 75 percent of the population is
71 percent of deaths and are the primary
overweight or obese and the percentage of
19
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights the population over 60 is expected to reach
preventing 21 percent of the population from
30 percent by 2050 as life expectancy rises
receiving healthcare.
to 83 years. In 2019, obesity cut 2.1 percent of Mexico’s GDP through chronic diseases and
Under these circumstances, many health
its impact on the economy is only expected
experts consider preventive measures one
to keep increasing, according to the World
of the best tools for managing chronic
Obesity Federation and the Research Triangle
diseases and reduce the percentage of the
Institute.
population that will develop a chronic illness in their lifetime.
Those who suffer from a chronic disease have to face challenges at ever y step
Technology can be a great asset in preventing
of dealing with their disease. Delays in
diseases and managing care. But health
diagnostics range between seven and
systems benefit from interoperability, which
1 0 ye a r s a n d M exico h a s i n su ffi ci e nt
in turns is based on predictive analysis, data
mechanisms for a timely referral among
management, virtual resource access, secure
health institutions to collaborate in the
information availability, remote follow-ups
diagnosis . Additionally, patients have
and multidisciplinary teams. Technology
to wait 4.3 years on average to access
can support sustainable healthcare centered
innovative medicines and have to spend
around a patient using telemedicine, direct
large amounts of money as Mexicans spend
messaging tools, remote monitoring and
43 percent of their budgets on medical
digital platforms for medicine management,
attention. These limitations only exacerbate
resulting in better health systems.
the psychological and physical suffering patients are subjected to.
Furthermore, digital transformations in diagnostics and therapy systems reflect the
Although healthcare funding has greatly
adaptations to a changing world. AbbVie
increased in the last two years, most of the
foresees an increase in remote primary care
money has been allocated to the fight against
and diagnostics, AI incorporation for remote
COVID-19. Meanwhile, Mexican healthcare still
monitoring, the continued adaptation of
has to address historic problems. There are
telemedicine as the pandemic demonstrated
only 2.1 medics per 1,000 habitants and only
its efficiency and an increased use of mobile
3 percent of the country’s hospitals are of high
device apps to improve treatment of many
specialty. Additional challenges include the
patients, said Tomey. By 2025, 40 percent
differences in the care provided by the public
of the hyperconnected innovation will follow
and private sectors and geographical barriers
social, sanitary and environmental objectives.
20
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights Improving technological infrastructure will be
Advancements in scientific and technological
a main priority during the next three years
innovation to treat chronic diseases due to
that associations such as medical information
general pharmaceutical advancements in the
companies can promote.
last two years present a unique opportunity to better the lives of chronic disease
Multiple digital tools can empower patients
patients. These should be joined with further
to make wiser decisions regarding their
advancements in health devices and inpatient
own health by following specialists’ advice.
infrastructure and a strengthening of clinical
One of which is Patients Like Me, a platform
research and its connectivity to patients.
that redefined medical attention around the
There are three focus steps for future digital
patient’s experience that has over 300,000
transformation: telemedicine, IT collaboration
users dealing with more than 2,300 diseases.
and AI. These technological advancements
This high participation has led to the collection
must be pushed in the education of future
of valuable data that could further advance
and current doctors to bring the best health
other medical products.
practices for their patients in the next 15 years.
REDEFINING TECH SKILLS FOR HEALTH TALENT While technology is already used daily in
competencies in health is a demanding job.
healthcare, increasing its penetration could
“As care providers and educators, we must
further benefit their profession and the
consider the basic, specific and superior levels
patient, said health professionals. But despite
of competences we are going to learn and
its great promise, most health professionals
teach and to whom we must teach them.
feel insufficiently trained to deal with the
Once this is defined, updating the knowledge
digital revolution, according to a survey by
becomes the challenge.”
the EU Health Parliament. Basic competences to begin with that can “We need to acknowledge that tech must be integrated into medical education and first train educators to pass on that information,” said Jorge Valdez, Dean of the Medicine and H e a lth S ci e n ce s Fa cult y ( Te c S a l u d), Tecnológico de Monterrey. Education could benefit the profession but training should be c o n ti n u o u s t h ro u g h o u t t h e m e d i c a l professional’s entire career. Training should also be practical and hands-on to directly benefit the patient..
“The industry must be aware that on this training, there are different levels of required skills ”
Sonia Mayra Pérez
Executive Director | UDIBI-IPN
updated easily, according to Valdez, include: + Providing clinical digital skills and a minimum degree of literacy in digital health. + Having good information management and knowledge on how to manage databases. + Providing knowhow to communicate in different environments, such as doctorpatient or colleague to colleague. + Using digital solutions in an intelligent and hybrid way. + Creating digital content and transferring data from paper to digital. + Including tech in management as it is a guide to navigate sudden changes, such as a pandemic.
Tech can be the ultimate solution to many of the health and life sciences professionals’ problems because it aims to be an ally on diagnosis, management and growth. “Automation in the health sector has reflected on greater productivity and time
“The industry must be aware that on this
management, which is easy to measure
training, there are different levels of required
because projects in this sector always have a
skills,” said Sonia Mayra Pérez, Executive
certain level of urgency and a direct impact
Director, UDIBI-IPN. Tech is highly dynamic,
on people’s lives,” said Igor Renan da Costa,
thus , staying updated on specialized
Latam Account Executive, Docusign.
21
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights Healthcare generates a large number
For companis or institutions in which the
of documents, which is one of the most
final user is not the patient, “safe access
urgent processes to automate to increase
to information and data protection is
efficiency. “I worked on a project where
f undamental , so it suppor t s decision
an initial acquisition process took 30 days.
m a k in g re g a rd in g th e a p p lic atio n of
We automated the process, reducing the
tech on daily work and R&D,” said Pérez.
acquisition process first to three days and then
Mexico has poor data protection practices
to seven hours. When talking about medicine
for science and technology and it is even
delivery, the difference is significant,” da
worse in data collaboration, even after the
Costa said.
COVID-19 vaccine development made clear the importance of digital collaboration.
The benefits of the digital transformation are undeniable but so are its risks as it continues
Health professionals also need to be made
to expand. “Many companies and institutions
aware of how these tools will provide a
worked on-site, accustomed to their IT
higher quality of care. “This will boost the
depar tment protec ting their internal
correct use of these technologies, because
information. But as working processes
they will be seen as a medical tool rather
become remote and more data is generated,
than a lifestyle tool, taking the solution as
users become more exposed,” explained
serious as it is,” said Valdez.
Jorge Zita, Regional Sales Manager GHE, CrowdStrike.
When the entire sector has experienced the benefit s of technology, it will be
“Many companies and institutions worked on-site, accustomed to their IT department protecting their internal information. But as working processes become remote and more data is generated, users become more expose”
Jorge Zita
Regional Sales Manager GHE | CrowdStrike
used for the greater good, for example by generating reliable health data about the Mexican health sector. “The US, for example, generates a lot of health data that is highly useful and serves to make an impact on health and social matters,” according to Valdez. The task right now is to avoid a regressive trend to paper and non-tech practices, he added. “Now that the pandemic seems to be coming to an end, we need to identify our gains
Web browsing and fake emails are the most
with the use of tech and recognize it
common means of attacks because they
would be counterproductive to let the
are highly used and receive little attention
achievements go.”
as they are considered safe activities in general. “These two means are the most
Changing the mindset to permanently
common causes of theft and information
adopt technology is key, said da Costa.
ransoming. This implies that health
“Providers and users have experienced
professionals working with delicate, private
the benefits of tech and how it does
information must be educated on how to
change possibilities, now we need to use
protect it to avoid having to pay to recover
the mindset so that the solutions can
the data or losing it completely,” Zita said.
permeate.”
Moreover, misused data can lead to an inhouse
This mindset se e ks to establish data
mistake or a cyberattack, according to Nidia
resp onsibilit y by following th e th re e
Garza, Vice President Talent Management,
fundamental pillars of data: it needs to
MMM Holdings. “It is important to inform
be reliable, integrated and available. But
professionals of these dangers to make sure
data also needs to be open to be used in
they are aware of what a poor understanding
collaboration to generate better results,
of tech can cause,” Garza said.
said Zita.
22
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights TECHNOLOGY TO STRENGTHEN, DEMOCRATIZE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE Technology has played an important role as
upstream and wider determinants of health;
an enabler and paradigm-shifter in multiple
and the engagement and empowerment
industries. Although the Mexican health sector
of individuals, families and communities
is far from reaching its full technological
for increased social participation and
potential due to diverse barriers, technology
enhanced self-care and self-reliance in health,
will break paradigms and democratize primary
according to WHO.
healthcare (PHC) and insurance culture in the country, agreed industry experts.
There are several players boosting the implementation of technology in the Mexican
“The low penetration of medical insurance in
health ecosystem. For example, Mexican
Mexico is astonishing. Technology offers great
insurtech Sofía aims to foster prevention by
advantages regarding PHC, both for patients
managing the different stages of a health
and for healthcare providers. Patients save
journey from first contact with a doctor to
time and do not need to be exposed, while
serious accidents.
healthcare providers have a more efficient model, which takes advantage of technologies
“Access to PHC is the foundation for good
such as telemedicine,” said Carina Reverter,
healthcare. Combining PHC with insurance,
CEO, Meeting Doctors.
which could cover long-term diseases, is key. Prevention and timely detection of serious
PHC comprises most of the healthcare
diseases allow us to subsidize the cost
services a person might receive in their
of providing PHC. This combination links
lifetime. It is also the most inclusive, equitable,
the financial incentive with people being
cost-effective and efficient approach to
healthier,” said Arturo Sánchez, CEO, Sofía.
enhance people’s physical and mental health, as well as social wellbeing. Because
Technology focused on improving PHC has
of this, PHC is being highly encouraged and
also penetrated the Mexican B2B market,
strengthened in health systems globally, as
with companies such as Welbe Care offering
reported by MBN. PHC encompasses three
a comprehensive wellbeing ecosystem that
interrelated and synergistic components:
integrates artificial intelligence and human
comprehensive and integrated health services
contact to ensure the physical and mental
that embrace primary care and public health
health of employees. “Twenty-one million
goods and function as central pieces; multi-
from the 29 million Mexican employees
sectoral policies and actions to address the
only have access to public health. We aim
23
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights
to increase access and raise the quality of
“Medical emergencies are unexpected and
healthcare. Although in Mexico developing
usually cause a health and financial disaster
an integrated ecosystem will take time, we
when they happen. Through technology, we
are empowering doctors and users, allowing
can offer telemedicine and home healthcare,
the latter to track and access their medical
besides other services. We foster PHC,
data,” said Eduardo Medeiros, Co-Founder
which allows a greater admissibility to our
and CEO, Welbe Care.
insurance, that is now available for people up to 85 years,” he said.
PHC, which covers prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care, is the base
Te c h n o l o g y p l ay s a k e y r o l e i n t h e
of a health system’s structural transformation,
democratization of healthcare services,
according to the World Bank. To be effective,
by making them more accessible both by
PHC should engage and empower individuals,
distance and financial issues. For instance,
families and communities for enhanced self-
Mamotest, the first tele -mammogram
care and self-reliance in health, adds WHO.
network in Latin America, uses technology to p ro m ote s o ci a l i m p a c t , a i m i n g to
Technology itself may not be enough to
drastically reduce breast cancer mortality.
boost PHC in Mexico, said Mario Aguillón, Board of Members, AIM and Co-Founder,
“ Te c h n o l o g y i s a n e n h a n c e r o f
Zenda.la. “The question here is what do we
democratization, not only to healthcare
need for our solutions to be adapted and
access but to quality services. It allows us
adopted to Mexicans’ lifestyles.”
to become more efficient and lower costs. We seek the demonetization of services,
Another insurtech that has been working with
such as mammograms, which would be
telemedicine and digital healthcare solutions
able to reach millions of women if they
is Asistensi, a platform for emergency
are available at a ver y low cost,” said
insurance and immediate medical assistance.
Guillermo Pepe, CEO, Mamotest.
Led by doctors, the company specializes in health and insurance plans and services with
Although the benefits of implementing
a commitment to generate value and quality
technology in the health ecosystem are
of life for its users.
clear, companies face several barriers to do so in Mexico. Two of the main problems
The way to foster PHC is through incentives,
are the country’s disintegrated system and
said Andrés González-Silén, Executive
a cultural resistance from Mexicans to
Chairman and Co - Founder, Asistensi.
delve into their own health, said Medeiros.
24
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights In addition, regulations in Mexico are not
fast as it has in other industries in Mexico, it
keeping up with companies and the market
will break paradigms and democratize PHC
in general, said Reverter. While technology
in the near future, shifting the way people
in the health sector has not penetrated as
get access to healthcare in the country.
THE ROLE OF PHARMACIES IN MEDICINE ACCESS Health access in Mexico has been
García, Vice President and General Manager
compromised by medicine shortages, poor
LATAM, Apotex.
infrastructure, long waiting times and high out-of-pocket expenditures. Experts in the
Both sectors play equal but complementary
private sector try to fight these problems to
roles throughout the entire health chain to
guarantee the right to health.
supply medications. But regulators also play a key role in ensuring access to medications.
Medicine access depends on many actors.
In the case of generics, authorities need to
The first are manufacturers of generics
work faster so generic drugs can reach the
and innovative medicines. The second is
population on time, said García, which will
the distributor, which is responsible for
furtherpromote a “framework that will propel
bringing the products to all pharmacies
quick access to new medications.”
while overcoming the logistical challenges in efficiency and cost. The final actors are
In the case of specialized medication, access
pharmacies. “Private sector pharmacies
becomes more critical. “Bringing highly
ensure supplies meet the highest quality
specialized drugs to the country in the
standards in accordance with the law, while
private and public sectors can be facilitated
respecting the prescription,” said Ignacio
by effective health authorities and regulations
Merino, Director General, Farmacia Paris.
that readily authorize medicines for common and rare diseases,” said Rodrigo Fernández,
The entire health chain intervenes so patients
LATAM Head and General Manager, TEVA
can access medicines and health treatments.
Pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals must also
“We cannot fail to see how the public and
help the industry “go beyond the prescription,
private sectors can be complementary in
help detect diseases and collaborate with
improvingthe health of Mexicans. Trained
medical professionals to support them in
health personnel, adequate infrastructure,
making the diagnosis more efficient.”
medical devices and medications should be available at both sectors, so their
Mexico’s limited access to healthcare services
collaboration is fundamental,” said Américo
has seen a short-term solution in the form
25
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights of Pharmacy-Adjacent Medical Offices
despite their inability to address the most
(PAMOs), which are equally used by those
complex diseases, PAMOs are convenient,
who have access to public health services
fast and inexpensive.
a n d th ose wh o d o n ot . “ Th e p rim a r y reasons why PAMOs are the top choice is
In Mexico, 49.1 percent of medical care was
because they offer low-prices, immediate
obtained at a private healthcare provider
attention, high schedule availability and
and a large percentage of it financed by
the opportunity to obtain an immediate
the poorest segment of the population.
prescription,” said Merino.
“Prior to the pandemic, homes in rural areas of the countr y with seniors and
Only 12 percent of those who use PAMOs
young children were the ones with the
could satisf y their ambulator y health
highest expenditure on health,” explained
needs through public health ser vices,
Sergio Bautista, Researcher, CISS-INSP.
found a study called “The responsibility of
Those with chronic diseases also had some
the state in the access of health services.” .
of the highest health expenditures.
“We cannot fail to see how the public and
The private sector mostly relieves the public
private sectors can be complementary in
sector in the treatment of acute illnesses,
improvingthe health of Mexicans. Trained
according to García. “Mexico lives with acute
health personnel, adequate infrastructure,
and chronic illnesses and the pharmacy has
medical devices and medications should be
been instrumental in covering these acute
available at both sectors, so their
illnesses that represent urgency to the
collaboration is fundamental”
Américo García
Vice President and General Manager LATAM | Apotex
public sector.” To d a te , M ex i c o h a s 1 8 , 0 0 0 PA M O s employing a total of 36,000 doctors, said Marcos Pascual, Commercial Director, ANAFARM E X . “ Through these offices ,
In Mexico, social security provided by IMSS,
we offer almost 400,000 appointments
ISSSTE and PEMEX is conditional to formal
per day. Doctors at PAMOs are treating
employment. “However, being affiliated to
m i l d C OV I D -1 9 c a s e s a n d d i r e c t i n g
these services does not guarantee access,”
complex cases to specialists. Aware of the
highlights García. He shares that in 2018
importance of increasing health access, we
there were 32,000 pharmacies but in 2021
are allying with CCE and the government
this number grew to 37,500. This growth
of Mexico City to strengthen our health
increases attention and relieves pressure
provision and our role as the primar y
from the public health system. Moreover,
health contact with the patient.”
GENOMICS IS TAKING DIAGNOSTICS TO THE NEXT LEVEL Personalized medicine has long been considered an opportunity to overcome the limitations of traditional medicine, with the industry and academia now able to make more precise decisions thanks to human genome sequencing. Genomics is making it possible to predict, diagnose and treat diseases more precisely than ever, so it is necessary to continue expanding this practice across the world, agreed industry experts.
26
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights “ Drug development is costly and
generate inward investment and “to lead the
inefficient. There is a 90 percent overall
world in the application of genomic medicine
failure rate from pre-clinical to Phase II/III
across national healthcare systems,” said
trials. For example, there is a 99.6 percent
Damian Smedley, Professor in Computational
failure rate for Alzheimer’s drug trials. The
Genomics, Queen Mary University and
most common reason for failure is lack of
Director of Genomic Interpretation, Genomics
efficacy and the most common reason for
England. In May 2016, Genomics England
it is inadequate target validation,” said
opened a new Sequencing Center, which
Michael Johnson, Professor of Neurology
reached the goal of sequencing 100,000
and Genomic Medicine, Imperial
genomes in Dec. 2018, added Smedley.
College London. G e nomic s England collaborates with Genetics studies genes and their roles in
3 , 5 8 0 researchers and 413 academic
inheritance to understand the way certain
institutions worldwide, said Smedley. The
traits or conditions are passed down from one
UK-owned company is present in North
generation to the next. Genomics, a more
America, including Mexico. Since July 2017,
recent term, describes the study of all of a
Genomics England has worked with the
person’s genes, including the interactions of
industry through its Discovery Forum, which
those genes with each other and with the
provides a platform for collaboration and
person’s environment, according to the
engagement between Genomics England,
National Human Genome Research Institute.
industry partners, academia, the NHS and the
Genomics has found applications in the study
wider UK genomics landscape, according to
of complex diseases such as heart disease,
the company.
asthma, diabetes and cancer, which are typically caused by the combination of
Prim a rily f u n d e d by th e U K M e dic a l
genetic and environmental factors..
Research Council, Johnson’s research at the Imperial College London uses single-cell transcriptomics of the human brain, single-cell Mendelian randomization for causal inference
“Although the genomics studies continue
and integrative multi-model genomics. From
moving forward, there is a shortage of
the 216 new drugs entering the German
talent supply. Professionals with good
market between 2011 and 2017, 160 showed
education in other sectors, physics,
no quantifiable benefit over existing licensed
mathematics and computer sciences”
therapies, said Johnson. The Mendelian
Ivana Poparic,
randomization helps for better drug target
Head of Life Sciences Cluster Development | MedCity
validation, resulting in drugs with improved efficacy, he added. D espite th e com plexit y of ge nomic s
Several countries across the world are
studies, there are efforts to decentralize
working on genomics projects, which offer
them and make them accessible to more
new possibilities for therapies and treatments
professionals worldwide. For example, Oxford
for some complex diseases as well as new
Nanopore Diagnostics, a new subsidiary
diagnostic methods. For example, in Dec.
of Oxford Nanopore Technologies, was
2012, former UK Prime Minister David
established to facilitate the development of
Cameron announced the creation of “The
a new generation of DNA/RNA sequencing
100,000 Genomes Project” to sequence
technology for diagnostic applications
the whole genomes of 100,000 individuals
through collaborations with clinical and
with rare inherited diseases and cancers. The
industry partners.
project aimed to return new diagnoses to National Health Service (NHS) patients, build
Oxford Nanopore Technologies offers devices
research infrastructure, capability and skills,
that “suit all throughput needs and work
27
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights environments,” and has a large and rapidly
Multidisciplinary teams enrichen the work
growing customer base, with sequencers
and are important for Oxford Nanopore
in over 100 countries and presence in key
Technologies. “We have people hired from
global institutes, said Katherine Melville,
many different backgrounds, such as machine
Diagnostic Testing Solutions Manager,
learning and material science,” said Melville.
Oxford Nanopore Technologies. “We intend to deliver products that make the benefits
In Mexico, genomic medicine research is led
of genomics accessible to all. Our vision is
by the National Institute of Genomic Medicine
to transform healthcare through real-time
(INMEGEN). Created in 2004 in response
genomics,” she added.
to a revolution in biological sciences and in experimental biology at the time, INMEGEN
Although the genomics studies continue
is the eleventh National Institute of Health.
moving forward, there is a shortage of talent
It was created as a result of the Promoter
supply. Professionals with good education
Consortium of the Institute of Genomic
in other sectors, physics, mathematics and
Medicine, integrated by UNAM, the Ministry
computer sciences, could always contribute,
of Health’s National Council of Science and
said Ivana Poparic, Head of Life Sciences
Technology and the Mexican Foundation
Cluster Development, MedCity. “Bringing
for Health. INMEGEN aims to incorporate
people from other sectors into genomics to
much of the biomedical research and
provide new talent can provide a solution to
molecular oriented research into the Mexican
the shortage of talent supply in the field.”
healthcare sector.
PERSONALIZED MEDICINE: A GROWING OPPORTUNITY In the past three to four years, the once-
limited accessibility (as true accessibility is
considered distant personalized or precision
defined by at least 80 percent of a product
medicine and medical devices have become a
being available to the greater population),
reality for global healthcare systems. Mexico
data privacy and synchronicity within industry
is no exception but to continue advancing
players, amongst others.
this revolutionary technology, the country needs continued participation, said industry
A primar y issue, as far as regulation
experts during the “Personalized, Precision
and understanding of this technology
Medicine and Devices” panel of Mexico Health
is concerned, is its broad scope. From
Summit 2022.
pharmaceuticals to medical devices, many evolving technologies fall into the category
Applications are numerous as therapies
of personalized medicine. Currently, the
tailored to a patient’s genetic makeup can
FDA has approved 22 genetic treatments
even prevent diseases. The sector has become
for use worldwide but their use will depend
one of the industry’s fastest growing areas
on national regulations and developmental
and its current market value of US$52 billion is
projects. To move forward, health experts
expected to quadruple by 2028 with a steady
suggest looking to neighboring countries
annual growth of 10 percent, explained Sandra
as examples.
Sánchez, President and CEO, PharmaAdvie. The US’ chronic disease management There is a growing shift from reactive to
research model has been successful because
preventive medicine in Mexico, particularly
of the union between universities and the
as chronic diseases continue rising, making
industry, as 95 percent of large projects come
personalized medicine even more attractive.
from institutions of higher learning. Mexico
However, this technology will have to face
should take this model as an example, said
several challenges in the coming years,
David López, Country Managing Director,
including complicated regulation due to
BioMarin Pharmaceuticals Mexico. However,
ambiguous frameworks, lack of knowledge,
there may not be enough researchers in
28
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights the field despite the large number of young
devices and pharmaceuticals, as of most
people in the country studying healthcare.
revolutionary technologies, relies on the collection of large amounts of personal data.
To improve regulations, López suggests
Continuous monitoring diagnostic equipment
contacting legislative bodies as regulation
and wearables such as smart watches already
efforts start with them. “Connecting scientific
collect health data of their users, making
research done in Mexico with industry
them useful tools for the development of
interests is one of the great opportunities for
preventive personalized technology, said Jaen
drug development… We need a strong alliance
Velazquez, Director Business Development
between the industry and the legislative
Mexico and Innovation Latin America,
branch, since much of the regulation
Siemens Healthineers. “Precision medicine
emanates from there. There must be political
requires data. AI and digital health are very
will to regulate and promote innovation in
promising sources to meet this requirement,”
healthcare,” López said.
Velazquez said.
Mexico is considered one of the Top 5 Latin
For the continued evolution of this science,
American countries with the best conditions
patient participation is needed, agreed
to integrate and promote personalized
Velazquez, Sánchez and López. Timely
medicine according to the Latin American
diagnoses have the potential to change
Personalized Medicine Index. The country
the framework of the Mexican healthcare
made great strides in the field of orphan
ecosystem. The continuous participation
medicine, which often relies on personalized
and empowerment of patients in Mexico
medicine, by explaining the technology to
has historically shaped and driven efforts
local authorities. These efforts show that
for breakthroughs in treatments of a broad
legislative bodies can be open to learning
range of diseases from HIV to diabetes. There
about this technology, said López, so there
has been an explosion of investment into
is a pressing need to contact and collaborate
personalized medicine in countries such as
with them to advance personalized medicine.
the US and Ireland, which have opened seven new biomedicine plants recently. Mexican
The technological revolution facilitated by
advancement in the sector will require
the pandemic greatly benefited personalized
participation from all players, from patients
medicine. The personalized aspect of the
to doctors to the federal government.
THE ROADMAP TO A DIGITAL HOSPITAL IS NOT COMPLEX The hospital of the future may look quite
“The overall targets of hospital technology are
different than the hospital of today. Already,
to help it operate better, take better care of
a growing number of inpatient health care
patients and reach more people at a better
services are being pushed to the home and
cost. A digital hospital breaks the paradigm of
to outpatient ambulatory facilities but there
quality versus quantity because it can provide
are still complex cases who will continue to
attention to more people with an improved
need acute inpatient services.
service,” said Jorge Camargo, CEO, Ecaresoft. Moreover, hospitals do not need to switch
A hospital is made up of several areas working
face-to-face attention for virtual care as they
together to make care provision possible, from
can offer both with equal quality.
management, supply chain and financing to clinical practices and diagnosis. In this
From a medical perspective, digitalization
dynamic, tech came to support management
at a hospital has five pivotal targets:
operations and medical professionals in their
reduce inefficiency, improve accessibility,
daily practice. As such, tech in a hospital
re d u ce lo ng -te rm cost by s aving o n
impacts the patient and its experience in and
materials and times, increase quality and
out the facility.
deliver personalized medical outcomes.
29
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights “Additionally, the data it generates must
from the hospital and its advances to know
provide better communication and better
when and how they may be ready for another
diagnostic support for them, aside from
change,” Camargo explained.
fomenting transparency,” said Sandra García, Cardiologist, Médica Sur.
Apart from considering the areas of adoption, tech providers should also take into account
Digital hospitals have an implementation
the groups of professionals ready to adopt
challenge that varies depending on the
tech. “For example, Mexican nurses know
country, their size and the population
how to use computers and smartphones but
target, explained S antiago Yeomans ,
they are still skeptical about tech. Residents,
Health Research and Innovation Director,
however, have a greater adoption of tech, so
Christus CEI.
training for them is much simpler,” said García.
While the benefits are numerous, integrating
Hospitals such as Médica Sur recommend
new software can be challenging because
a transition that begins with management
everyone at the hospital may be used to
to then progress to clinical areas. “With
traditional practices. Thus, “tech providers
Aidicare, we began with management and
must realize that the goal is not to modify
then expanded to the hospitalization areas.
the clinical path of a hospital. If technology is
Now, we are transitioning the therapy
going to enter, we must look for tools that do
and emergency areas,” García said. More
not disrupt the clinical way of working,” said
importantly, it is key to find a perfect match
Juan Caceres, CEO, Aidicare. He stressed
between the tech provider and the hospital.
that tech companies must add value to their
“The chosen tech provider must have a clear
processes without trying to change them
path and answers to incoming questions, and
because “that is not technology’s area of
provide personalized training if possible,”
expertise.”
said García.
Nonetheless, a hospital should not be
Transitional implementation has been well
dogmatic in its processes. “Hospitals need
received because professionals perceive
to analyze, from their principles, how
how tasks on their daily work have improved.
tech can help and support them in their
Thus, they are willing to integrate other
operations,” said Camargo. He recommends
solutions that will do the same, said Caceres.
tech companies begin with smart targets to
“Furthermore, we need to break the paradigm
have quick wins that will then allow them to
that tech is about “being fancy” because it is
continue the digital transformation. “Learn
not, it is a matter of being efficient.”
30
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights This thinking goes in line with the
said. “In an ideal world, everyone should
misconception that tech is complex and hard
be interconnected to access the patient’s
to understand and adapt. “Applications must
clinical file and provide better care and
be intuitive, as easy as delivery for Rappi is.
follow-up,” she added.
That must be our benchmark: intuitive enough so that implementation has the smallest
An interconnected system is the core of
amount of hand-holding,” said Camargo.
a value-based healthcare model, which has been called to be the ultimate goal of
One of the pivotal parts of a successful
the sector. “To achieve this, tech providers
digital hospital is its ability to interconnect
and hospitals must be passionate about
with other areas and devices. “At Médica
providing security and services,” said Caceres.
S u r we h ave inte rco n n e c te d n u r sin g
Moreover, hospitals need to have a futuristic
sheets with measurements of vital signs.
view of their reach and “think beyond the
We also used our robots to interconnect
walls of the hospital, which allows them to
different specialties of the hospital. This
operate beyond its infrastructure to remotely
takes digitalization from a commodity to
service new and recurring patients remotely,”
a necessity for competitiveness,” Garcia
said Camargo.
INNOVATION, COLLABORATION ARE CRUCIAL FOR HEALTHY AGING Diverse factors, including science and
Twenty percent of those over 60 years old
technology, have allowed people to live
are not affiliated to any healthcare institution.
longer. The global population is aging at an accelerated pace, with over 1 billion people
Seniors are common targets of stigmatization
aged 60 years and older. While this active
and discrimination, said Luis Miguel Gutiérrez,
phenomenon presents considerable financial
Director General, National Geriatrics Institute.
challenges for countries across the world, it
But healthy and independent seniors
also opens opportunities for several actors
contribute to the well-being of families and
including healthcare, agreed industry experts.
communities. It is a myth to portray them as passive recipients of social or health services,
“We saw a large evolution in the last 20 years.
points PAHO, which promotes public policies
Living longer carries enormous financial
and alliances toward healthy aging in the
challenges to countries. For example, by
Americas. “The fact that old age is coming
2025, pensions will represent 6.4 percent
increasingly later offers opportunities. In
of Mexico’s G DP. In addition , staying
Mexico, less than 5 percent of those aged 60
healthy and improving quality of life are
years or older fully rely on their families [for
important challenges, which in turn present
care and economic support],” said Gutiérrez.
the opportunity for the health industry to collaborate and offer solutions,” said Cristobal
Although the shift in the distribution of a
Thompson, Executive Director, AMIIF.
country’s population toward older ages started in high-income countries, such as
By 2050, the proportion of the world’s
Japan, where 30 percent of the population is
population over 60 years is forecasted to
already over 60 years old, currently low and
nearly double from 12 percent to 22 percent,
middle-income countries are experiencing the
according to WHO. Countries are facing major
greatest change, according to WHO.
challenges to ensure that their health and social systems are prepared for the demands
The private sector is also contributing to
and opportunities of this demographic shift. In
healthy ageing. “In Japan, similarly to Mexico,
Mexico, between 1990 and 2020, the 60 year
one out of every three people suffer arterial
and older population went from 5 million to
hypertension. Omron created the first home
15.1 million people, now making up 12 percent
blood pressure monitor, aiming to reach zero
of the total population, according to INEGI.
cardiovascular events,” said Vanessa Ballarte,
31
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights
Executive Director Corporate Strategy and
Technology continues to play an important
Digital Health for Latin America, Omron
role as an enabler and paradigm-shifter
Health C are. Japanese -based medical
within the health industry. When it comes
devices company Omron specializes in
to the implementation of digital tools, it is
blo o d p ressure m o nito r s , n e b ulize r s ,
important that patients of all ages understand
electrotherapy TENS2 devices and other
how to use them but this becomes crucial with
innovative products and services.
products targeted at seniors, said Ballarte.
Health monitoring is essential to
Digital tools are not adopted in the same
prevention because the early detection
way by people of different ages and socio-
of diseases c an reduce suffering and
economical situations, said Thompson. “We
medical costs. While remote monitoring
have to work toward greater equity in the use
was already advanced in certain countries,
of technology. (Digital tools) must become
the pandemic boosted its penetration in
massive, patient-centric and inclusive. We
Mexico and Latin America, said Ballarte.
will adopt simple technology but for more
“It is important to educate patients so
complex tools we must all educate ourselves,
they can monitor themselves at home
from the medical community to people in
and raise awareness on the importance of
general.” Technology adoption requires
monitoring.”
collaboration between public and private actors to make a real impact, he added.
Working toward healthy ageing requires the participation of the public sector, civil
To democratize and massify technology
society, academia and the private sector.
in Mexico, regulations play a key role,
However, care for seniors is still framed
said B allar te. “Currently, there is not
a ro un d ch ronic dise ase m a n ag e m e nt
enough regulation regarding telemedicine
rather than in the person, said Gutiérrez.
and remote monitoring. Software is not
“Seniors are usually excluded from clinical
considered as medical equipment yet. In
trials due to their complexity, but they still
terms of data security, companies work
are part of the real world. Clinical trials are
under high-standard security schemes but
an important area of opportunity.”
it is important to have a clear regulatory
32
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights framework for the entire industr y
opportunities that this paradigm shif t
to benefit.”
has brought must be tackled jointly by all actors involved, from the general public
Globally, the growth of the share of the
to private a nd p ublic se c tors , ta king
population aged 60 years and older is
advantage of technology advancements.
a reality. The multiple challenges and
DATA, TRACEABILITY SUPPORT HEALTH LOGISTICS
The pandemic transformed the logistics
technology as the sector had not capitalized
industry by changing client expectations
in this area, said Andrés Posada, Supply Chain
regarding delivery times, which were made
Manager Mexico and Central America, Boston
possible thanks to the fast adaptation
Scientific. The pandemic forced the sector to
of l o gte c h a dva n ce m e nt s i m p rovi n g
be even more flexible. Some hospitals in Latin
communication with freight forwarders.
America that might have been registering
The pharmaceutical logistics industry is no
processes by hand adopted new technologies
different. Industry insiders discussed recent
and processes following the outbreak.
and future innovations for the industry through the increased incorporation of
Freight forwarders are not staying behind.
traceability and big data technology during
“Within the medical devices industry, the
Mexico Health Summit 2022.
implementation of blockchain and AI is being explored to improve logistics distribution,”
The implementation of these technologies
said Posada.
brought forward major changes and benefits to the transportation of health supplies. From
Many logistics partners of medical companies
a freight forwarder’s perspective, technology
are using logtech developments to provide
improved distribution practices through the
better services. DHL’s DHLi, for example,
implementation of smart sensors to measure
allows customers to exchange information
temperature, light, security and geographical
with companies to optimize their logistics,
location in real time to provide better
said Liliana Castillo Bautista, Head of Life
information to clients.
Sciences and Chemicals Sales, DHL Global Forwarding México. This information is then
Following the pandemic, the medical industry
readily available for customers in real time, as
is catching up in the implementation of
DHL does not only provide basic geographic
33
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights information but also data regarding the
Once these hurdles are overcome, there
temperature, light and security of products
are infinite opportunities in the sector, said
en-route. These traceability processes are
Ricchuiti. AI is one of these, as even though
made possible through the collection of big
it is usually thought of only in aspects of
data, making DHL not only a service provider
robotization and automatization, it has the
but a business partner of their clients.
potential to bring benefits to all individuals in the industry. IoT and AI technology will
“Logistic distributors work hand in hand with
not replace human labor, Ricchuiti said, but
laboratories to ensure the best distribution
lower demand for human labor to manage
practices for drugs and medical equipment,”
simple tasks, smoothen out transportation
Bautista said in reference to one of the many
processes and reduce overall costs.
ways freight forwarders collaborate with clients to ensure best practices.
I nte rcon n e c tion b et we e n clie nt s a n d suppliers through blockchain systems is
Big data expedited the optimization of
another innovation that could continue
routes by logistics companies worldwide but
to o ptim ize in - re a l -tim e tra ce a bilit y,
in Mexico additional regulation regarding
benefitting all players. Pharmaceutical
this development and other technologies
companies, in particular, use less warehouse
are needed, said Miguel Angelo Ricchiuti,
space to store higher-value produc ts
Operations and Supply Chain Director
that need more technological security
Mexico and LATAM, Apotex. Industry 4.0 has
and information about their geological
arrived but Mexico is still behind countries
location. The industry was not prepared
such as Brazil and Argentina in digitalization,
for the challenges the pandemic brought
serialization and regulation, necessary tools
but with the increased incorporation of
for industry players to ensure that their
technological advancements, it seems to
technologies are sound proof and their
be better prepared for whatever may come
products cannot be replicated.
in the future.
VALUE, IMPACT OF PATIENT BLOOD MANAGEMENT Patie nt B lo o d M a n a g e m e nt (P B M), a
PBM “is fundamental because, for example,
multimodal and multidisciplinary approach
for the most vulnerable patients such as
to limit the use and the need for blood
children, the elderly or the chronically
transfusions in at-risk patients, arrives in
ill, taking frequent and numerous blood
Mexico to improve clinical outcomes. PBM
samples weakens them and might force
encompasses all aspects of the transfusion
them to receive foreign blood, which is a
decision-making process, beginning with
benefit but does not strengthen vulnerable
the initial patient evaluation and continuing
patients when their blood was already
through clinical management, explained
weak,” said Seipelt.
Christa Seipelt, International Product Manager Diagnostics, Sarstedt AG&Co.KG.
L a b o rato rie s n e e d to co n sid e r m a ny aspects before drawing blood, including th e patie nt s’ conditions and m e dic al
“PBM encompasses all aspects of the
records and blood extraction guidelines,
transfusion decision-making process,
said Rafael Guerrero García, Vice President
beginning with the initial patient
of the Board of Directors, Mexican Council
evaluation and continuing through
of Clinical Pathology. Laboratories must
clinical management”
also take into account that they must
Christa Seipelt,
International Product Manager Diagnostics | Sarstedt
extract the smallest possible quantities to avoid affecting the patient and potentially causing or aggravating anemia, which could further complicate the patient’s condition.
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C on f e r e nc e H ighlights
“Blood extraction implies a responsible
D espite it s im p or ta nce , P B M has not
request for studies and the use of
been widely applied in Mexico neither
methodologies that would sustain the
in adults or infants , impac ting health
patient as long as possible,” said Guerrero.
outcomes and increasing costs. “Only 2-3
In a regular blood extraction patients may
percent of laboratories in Mexico take
lose up to 25 percent of their hemoglobin,
optical blood management measures,”
which is not always necessary, said Seipelt.
said Guerrero.“Although there are already clear guidelines to be able to establish
“Diagnostic studies need to be requested more thoughtfully and take into account the patient’s record by establishing protocols and awareness”
Arturo Vivas,
Product Diagnostic Specialist | Sarstedt
PBM, we have not been able to adopt them,” said Parra. Experts recommend that the effective way to standardize PBM is through regulation. Some of the best PBM practices are used in Germany and other EU countries that have proved that PBM can be standardized in a healthcare system. “While it has not been greatly adopted in
This loss of hemoglobin is more alarming in
Mexico, professionals are showing interest
pediatric patients because their total blood
in PBM,” said Seipelt. Those professionals,
volume is much less than an adult’s, said
a l o n g s i d e t h e p u b l i c h e a l t h s e c to r,
Israel Parra Ortega, Head of the Clinical
generated the clinical practice guidelines
Laboratory Department, Mexico Children’s
for patient blood management of public
Hospital Federico Gómez. “In fact, there
institutions, which is proof of the interest
are studies that require that the patient
and is a first step to expand its impact,
has not received a transfusion,” he said.
she added.
For pediatric patients, less blood volume handled means less risk of an infection,
Transitioning to PBM implies avoiding
making PBM even more important. “PBM
extracting unnecessary blood samples
means patient safety and the efficiency
and having reserve samples. “Diagnostic
of analytical and laboratory processes.
s t u d i e s n e e d to b e r e q u e s te d m o r e
Such benefits must be shared to make this
thoughtfully and take into account the
practice a standard process in the health
patient’s record by establishing protocols
system,” Parra said.
and awareness,” said Arturo Vivas, Product Diagnostic Specialist, Sarstedt.
35
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights Common practices include taking 800 ml
“I would like to see more work and scientific
of blood for a serum clinical chemistry, but
information made by and for Mexicans,
“the truth is that that amount is not really
because that is important to standardize
necessary,” said Seipelt.
the practice and recognize limitations and opportunities of the system,” he said.
P ro p e r u s e of b l o o d ex tr a c ti o n a n d management tools is also important, said
Awareness forums for laboratories and
Parra, because some procedures require the
professionals regarding PBM are necessary
extraction of more blood than others. Even
for these concepts to permeate to all
when the volume extracted is small, it is still
professionals. But most importantly, PBM
a loss for the patient. However, laboratories
“should be included in the Mexican Official
need to ensure to have a large enough sample
Norm and mandated in the functions of the
to avoid compromising the study, said Parra.
health professional,” said Guerrero.
BIG DATA TO DRIVE HEALTHCARE 3.0 As the healthcare industry continues realizing
of their own data, said Ahachinsky. To do so,
the value of big data, the question of access
Bobbinet envisions a patient subscription
and storage becomes a pressing issue.
system that provides transparency over where
During Mexico Health Summit 2022, Andrew
patient data is going and how it helps others.
Ahachinsky, President and CEO, Bobbinet
This can then result in a situation where not
Lat Am , explained what the C anadian
only patients benefit but also pharmaceutical
company is doing to drive big data efforts
companies create better products and health
forward in healthcare through innovation,
services maximize their accessibility to data,
Web 3.0 and blockchain, as well as why the
potentially sharing information regarding
region presents unique opportunities.
rare diseases that might be of greater value to pharma companies to look at.
Under a Health 2.0 application centric approach, multiple apps request patients’
At its core, Bobbinet provides a way for
data as each manages it for its own monitoring
blockchain to safely decentralize healthcare,
purpose. This outdated and disconnected
consumer and patient data, while giving the
model discourages patient participation. A
patient better control and understanding of
switch to 3.0 would give patients an increased
where their data is going and how it is used,
role in the collection, distribution and storage
said Ahachinsky. It even allows them to share
36
C on f e r e nc e H ighlights data with third parties and organizations.
Another possible solution to increase patient
U s i n g a n o ny m o u s r e c o r d s , p a t i e n t s
data sharing could come through the use of
can keep all their healthcare and data
non-fungible tokens (NFT), said Ahachinsky.
materials in one place, allowing the Latin
This proposal would add patient data into
American healthcare system to maximize
the blockchain through smart contracts
development, access and participation, he
to provide further control, security and
added. Latin America is an ideal market for
management access, he said. Under this
this technology as it has had 25 percent
proposed model, patients could earn money
of global clinical trials and annually spends
by providing it to third parties with a clear
US$50 billion in pharmaceuticals annually.
understanding of who owns and who uses the data, said Ahachinsky.
Nor th American and EU governments have cracked down on these efforts and
The healthcare Metaverse could also bring
prohibited their development, so Latin
potential solutions by decentralizing health
America could become the next largest
profiles and providing anonymity and live
o p p o r t u n it y m a r ke t fo r th i s t y p e of
access to a digital extension in the coming
development, particularly as 30 percent
metaverse where digital human as a service
of the population does not have access
may soon take place, said Ahachinsky.
to health services because of economic
Particularly as by 2026, the average person
reasons. Mexico in particular has a large
is expected to spend at least one hour within
discrepancy between its public and private
the Metaverse, he added.
health sectors and its urban-centered health facilities leave many in rural areas
The company is also looking at enabling
without access.
patient permissions within existing health education research models already used in
The data accumulated by these efforts
hospitals to create a more patient centric
will be large and have great quality, said
approach within existing environments.
Ahachinsk y. It will allow patients and
These efforts look to improve outcomes in
consumers to become data stakeholders
terms of cost savings, optimizing the doctor’s
with the benefits this carries, as 60 percent
work and empowering patients within the
of generated data comes from patients
medical data revolution as the incorporation
(30 percent is genomic and 10 percent is
of technological advancements continues
clinical).
becoming a social determinant of health.
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C on f e r e nc e H ighlights INNOVATIVE, ITINERANT ARTICULATED SERVICES FOR HEART SURGERIES Technology and healthcare continue evolving
Ten years ago, Vitalmex increased its footprint
amid several challenges and crises such as the
beyond Mexico after acquiring Germany’s
COVID-19 pandemic, which forced healthcare
Gimmi, a company focused on manufacturing
professionals and companies to become more
surgical instruments, which it sells to over
creative and innovative to solve non-COVID-19
60 countries. In addition, Vitalmex began
issues, such as cardiovascular surgeries.
implementing its articulated services in the US market, where the company already is present
As some hospitals focused exclusively on
in 10 states.
COVID-19 cases during the pandemic’s peaks, several non-urgent procedures
Since 1993, Vitalmex has been characterized
were postponed. However, some medical
for its articulated services for the clinical-
specialties still needed urgent treatment.
s u rg i c a l , a d m i n i s trative - o p e rati o n a l ,
Fo r th ese c ases , Vitalm ex in n ovate d
technological and financial areas of the
within its renowned articulated services to
health sector, said Mier. These services are
start offering its new itinerant articulated
configurable, adaptable and flexible both for
services, which work on an on-demand
patients and healthcare professionals.
basis and help carry out procedures in different sites.
The itinerant articulated service is an alternative to the traditional services. Under this scheme,
Vitalmex is a leading provider of surgical
Vitalmex assists healthcare professionals and
suppor t ser vices to some of Mexico’s
institutions on-demand to carry out heart and
la rg e s t p u b lic a n d p rivate h ospit a ls .
minimally invasive surgeries. “Usually 5 days
Th e com pa ny ’s a c tivities ra ng e f rom
before the surgery, hospitals or healthcare
surgical technician services and inventory
professionals call us to request the service. Our
management to medical technology and
personnel have a meeting with the hospital
equipment management. “Our main goal
and we get everything prepared as requested,
is to support institutions and healthcare
from medical supplies to instruments and
professionals in every aspect of their work,
equipment to help them perform the surgery,”
from supplies and equipment to technology
said Mier. Itinerant articulated services offer
and expert personnel, allowing them to
several benefits, such as collaborative work,
focus on what they do best: taking care
state-of-the-art technology, high-quality
of patients,” said Ramón Mier, Commercial
supplies, workflow improvement, prestige and
Director, Vitalmex.
qualified, well-trained personnel, he added.
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C on f e r e nc e H ighlights THE HEART TEAM APPROACH One of the medical specialties that still needed
concept constitutes the heart of modern
to be attended urgently during the pandemic
cardiovascular attention,” he added.
are cardiovascular surgeries. Congenital heart defects are the most common type of
Pediatric heart disease surgeries in Mexico
birth defect, with an incidence in close to 10
are centralized in the country’s main cities,
percent of newborns, according to CDC.
said Alcántara, a problem that worsened after the pandemic forced certain hospitals
Congenital heart diseases affect 40,000
to stop operating or to focus exclusively on
kids per year in Mexico and the country does
COVID-19 patients.
not have enough infrastructure for these surgeries, said Carlos Alcántara, Pediatric
During these difficult times, Vitalmex’s
Cardiovascular Surgeon, Hospital Infantil de
itinerant ar ticulated ser vices made it
México Federico Gómez. “Kids with heart
possible to perform surgeries in different
diseases imply a high cost. However, the
places, always taking the necessary highest-
success rate of these surgeries is over 98
quality supplies, state-of-the-art technology,
percent. The investment on the kid’s health
equipment and instruments to wherever
is worth it.”
they are required, said Alcántara. “There are patients who cannot come to our centers
Managing care for patients with complex
and the team has to travel. This includes
cardiovascular diseases changed over the
the medical team but also the articulated
last years due to advances in information
services of Vitalmex that accompany us
technology and an increasing amount of
everywhere.”
evidence-based data, resulting in the creation of the Heart Team approach. This model aims
Children with heart diseases require all the
“to offer a balanced and complementary
commitment and professionalism from all
approach to patient care through joint and
their Heart Team, including service providers,
shared decision-making between the different
said Alcántara.
healthcare actors,” said Alcántara. While the pandemic affected all industries, U n d e r t h e H e a r t Te a m a p p ro a c h to
including the health sector, it also boosted
children’s surgeries, the cardiovascular
innovation and creativity to solve problems
surgeon is no longer the only person taking
among companies within the health supply
decisions. Instead, the child’s parents and
chain. With Vitalmex’s itinerant articulated
additional actors, such as the hospital or
services, healthcare professionals can focus
service provider, form a team with the
entirely on their job, which is saving lives,
healthcare professional to make joint
while they do not have to worry about having
decisions, said Alcántara. “The Heart Team
the right equipment to do so.
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