Mexico Health Summit 2022

IMPACT REPORT

Networking Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

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.

34

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.

37

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.

38

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.

www.mexicobusiness.mx