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The healthcare landscape in Mexico is undergoing a major transformation, with efforts to improve market access, digitalization, and healthcare infrastructure taking center stage. From public health initiatives to the development of innovative medical devices and pharmaceuticals, stakeholders are driving change across the entire healthcare ecosystem.
Technology is playing an increasingly critical role in addressing healthcare needs. Key trends shaping the sector include the rise of digital health solutions, as developers strive to capture the potential of AI and data integration. While the healthcare system grapples with the need to meet growing demand, companies are taking advantage of emerging technologies and Healthcare 4.0 to improve hospital performance and enhance access to cutting-edge treatments.
Amid this transformation, local and international industry leaders gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities within Mexico’s healthcare industry. During Mexico Health Summit 2024, decision makers and key stakeholders met to discuss crucial topics such as market access, innovative medicines, the role of medical devices in improving care, and the importance of regional cooperation in the development of equitable health solutions across the country.
92 companies
140 conference participants
29 speakers
104 In-person Participants
Breakdown by job title Conference social media impact
7 sponsors
4,892 visitors to the conference website
direct pre-conference LinkedIn impressions
click through rate during MHS
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140 participants
418 matchmaking communications
137 1:1 meetings conducted Matchmaking intentions Total
828 Trading 233 Networking
• Abeile med
• Accord farma
• Aidicare
• AMID
• Amiif
• Anaps
• Anaps / medical expo
• Asociación para evitar la ceguera en Mexico
• Baker mckenzie
• Bio-rad
• Biomérieux Mexico
• Boston scientific mexico
• Brella ltd
• Carl zeiss
• Central media
• Centro Nacional de Excelencia Tecnológica en Salud
• Chg-meridian méxico
• Clivi diabetes y obesidad
• Cohortias international
• Comed
• Company name
• Corne labs
• Corporación operadora de representaciones y negocios, s. a. de c.v.
• Croda
• Delegación General de Québec en México
• Dohealth
• Drager medical mexico
• Dva mexicana
• Elery
• Eli lilly
• Emaly comunicación
• Embajada de Canadá - Gobierno de o ntario
• Farmacias especializadas
• Funsalud
• Gerresheimer mx
• Global health intelligence
• Grupobeit
• Healf
• Holland house mexico
• Icon Group
• Inefam
• Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genomica
• Insumos para la S alud (I p S)
• Inteligencia sanitaria
• Iqvia
• Janssen
• Johnson & johnson innovative medicine
• Jonhnson & johnson
• Karl storz endoscopia mexico
• Koltin
• Mamotest
• Mediform
• Medisi américa
• Medistik
• Meetingdoctors
• Mexican council of medic al tourism
• Mexico business news
• Mifel
• Mina mx
• Mlb cg
• Netherlands Embassy in Mexico
• Neuma
• Nutriadn
• oechsler mexico
• olivares
• olivares & cia
• o rganon
• panther healthcare mexico
• parque pharma
• pascual Asesoría en Farmacias
• pascual asesoria y consultoria
• prosperia
• Qiagen
• QUIMICA SAN DIEGo sa cv
• risoul
• roche méxico
• Sánchez devanny
• Siemens healthineers
• Signufarma
• Signufarma S, A. De C,V.
• Sunbelt health partners
• Theranomics
• Thomson reuters
• Toolkit
• Torrent pharma
• Tres prima
• Uld mex / envirotainer
• Universidad panamericana
• Usana mexico
• Vitrolife group
• Weecompany
• Worley
• Zeiss
• Zrg partners
WEDNESDAY, SE PTEMBER 11
09:00 PUBLIC HEALTH CARE PRIORITIES FOR 2024-2030
Speaker: Héctor Valle, FUNSALUD
09:30 MEXICO’S MARKET ACCESS SHAKE-UP: INNOVATIVE MEDICINE, GENERICS AND MEDICAL DEVICES
Moderator: Alejandro Luna, oLIVArES
Panelists: Larry Rubin, AMIIF
Jorge Luis Caridad, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine
Rubén Otiz, Eli Lilly and Company
Marcos Pascual, ANAFArMEX
Eduardo Valencia, parque pharma
10:15 HOSPITALS: IMPROVING HEALTH SYSTEM PERFORMANCE IN MEXICO
Moderator: Patrick Devlyn, CCE
Panelists: Diana Cuevas, Mexican Council of Medical Tourism
Jorge Melendez, INMEGEN
Joao Carapeto, roche Diagnostics Mexico
Valeria Sánchez, ApEC Hospital de la Ceguera
12:00 BIRMEX: WORLD-CLASS PUBLIC INSTITUTION IN HEALTH SUPPLIES: PLANNING, PURCHASE, AND DISTRIBUTION
Speaker: Jens Lohmann, Birmex
12:30 MEXICO’S API DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITY
Moderator: Rafael Gual, CANIFArMA
Panelists: Javier Mestre, Emcure pharma Mexico
Rocio Bermudez, CoMED
13:15 OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN THE OPERATING ROOM
Speaker: Alejandra Nava, Dräger
15:00 BUILDING A LEGAL AND OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR HEALTHCARE 4.0
Moderator: Juan Luis Serrano, Sanchez Devanny Eseverri, S.C.
Panelists: Jesús Hernández, Mexican HealthTech Association
Enrique Remezal, Icon Group
Daniela González, Mina
Francisco Martínez, Siemens Healthineers
15:45 HARNESSING THE POWER OF MEDICAL DEVICES, AI, AND DATA
Moderator: Kyla Jones, Medtronic
Panelists: Agustin Zabulanes, Boston Scientific Mexico
Carlos Escobar, AMID
José Carlos Ferreyra, INEFAM
Eduardo Ortiz, Koltin
Cristina Campero, retinIA
16:30 PAHO COOPERATION PRIORITIES IN THE REGION
Speaker: José Moya, pAHo/WHo
PUBLIC HEALTH CARE PRIORITIES FOR 2024-2030
While Mexico’s economy continues growing, its citizens have to grapple with the lack of medical professionals that can provide care to those with cardiovascular issues, cancer, and diabetes, argue experts.
To tackle this problem, FunSalud puts forward 10 proposals that could allow the incoming government administration to address the most pressing challenges within the healthcare system.
“By the end of 2030, Mexico could face a dramatic decrease in life expectancy”
Héctor Valle
Executive President | FunSalud
“We are witnessing a concerning decline in life expectancy at birth.” He warns that by 2030, life expectancy could be 10 years lower than that of countries like Spain or Japan. r egional disparities exacerbate this problem, with states like Chiapas lagging behind wealthier regions, such as Nuevo Leon, by up to 4.7 years in life expectancy.
The types of diseases that most affect Mexicans are cardiovascular conditions, cancer, intentional injuries caused by violence, and diabetes. Health problems can be exacerbated by the lack of specialized doctors to treat patients. “The country has fewer than 900 endocrinologists, leaving vast areas underserved,” said Valle. “The chronic underfunding of the healthcare system, combined with shortages in medical staff and equipment, forces many citizens to seek care outside their regions, further straining an already fragile system.”
In partnership with more than 250 health experts, FunSalud developed an action plan to help address this problem. The plan includes five immediate actions to be taken in the first 100 days of the new admin istration:
+ Improve the procurement of medicines and medical supplies to address delays in surgeries and treatments in the public sector.
+ restore vaccination levels by ensuring timely and prudent vaccine purchases to return to pre-pandemic immunization rates across all age groups.
+ Strengthen pandemic preparedness to update Mexico’s response capacity to address future health crises.
+ Enhance regulatory processes by improving efficiency within CoFEprIS to streamline approvals for medicines and medical devices.
+ Transition between health systems by addressing the current crisis of transferring assets and processes between the Seguro popular and the new IMSS-Bienestar program.
At the core of this transformation is the renewal of the legal framework governing Mexico’s healthcare system, says Valle. The existing framework is patchy, and FunSalud’s plan calls for comprehensive reform to create a coherent system that aligns with modern healthcare needs.
“There is a need to modernize quality standards and establish an independent federal commission observatory to evaluate the system’s performance objectively. This would ensure impartial assessment and continuous improvement,” says Valle.
FunSalud also argues that the unification of healthcare financing is crucial to ensure that the entire national system has the resources needed, from education to supplies. “The current model fragments resources, and our proposal aims to streamline spending to align with the capacity to deliver consistent and equal care,” says Valle.
Weeks away from the new administration taking office, there must be a clear pathway toward a comprehensive system of primary care that integrates digital technologies. “Mexico needs to undergo a digital
transformation in healthcare. The current system is predominantly analog, leading to delays in care and inefficiencies,” says Valle “Digitizing medical records and creating interoperable systems to optimize patient care and streamline processes will be key in streamlining care.”
The guiding principles for success, according to Valle, are transparency in governance,
inclusive participation from all stakeholders, technical excellence in healthcare delivery, continuous evaluation to measure progress, and equity and equality in access to care. These measures would allow for a better healthcare system that benefits all Mexicans, so it requires all sectors to join forces in creating a healthier future for the country.
“This is my Mexico, your Mexico, and our Mexico,” says Valle.
MARKET ACCESS SHAKE-UP: MEDICINE, GENERICS, MEDIC AL DEVICES
Mexico’s healthcare system faces regulatory barriers and difficulties in accessing drugs, delaying access to essential treatments. Under these circumstances, experts highlight the need for public-private collaboration to improve equity and accessibility in the sector, helping to improve the Mexican healthcare system.
Access to medicines, both innovative and generic, is hindered by a regulatory system that has long approval times, says Jorge Luis Caridad, General Manager, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. While other Latin American countries approve scientific protocols in 45 to 60 days, in Mexico the process can take months, which puts the country at a disadvantage compared to other emerging economies.
“At best, approving drugs in Mexico takes between 12 and 18 months, which is too long. This delay has a significant impact on the system’s ability to respond quickly to patients’ needs, especially in an environment of rapid technological and scientific evolution,” says Caridad.
This regulatory inefficiency not only slows down access to treatments, but also affects Mexico’s competitiveness in the global arena. “on average, it takes three and a half years for drugs to reach Mexican patients,” says Larry r ubin, Executive Director, Mexican Association of p harmaceutical r esearch Industries (AMIIF). To improve access, Mexico needs a streamlined regulatory process, which would also increase investment in clinical research from US$200 million to US$4 billion a year, positioning the country as a hub for medical innovation in Latin America, says rubin.
policy Changes and Their Impact on the Industry
In recent years, government policies, particularly in the area of drug procurement, have generated uncertainty in the sector. These changes have altered the access landscape and forced companies to restructure their medium and long-term strategies. rubén ortiz, Executive Director Access and Corporate Affairs LACAM, Eli Lilly and Company, explains that the
main barrier to access to medicines is underinvestment.
“This lack of investment has exacerbated inequalities in health care, mainly affecting rural areas. To address this challenge, it is crucial to properly manage resources and focus on metrics that benefit the country as a whole,” says ortiz.
While the need is pressing, opportunities also abound. The considerable boom of nearshoring in Mexico presents a unique opportunity to improve access to medicines and medical devices. “This is the opportunity for Mexico to consolidate advances and address barriers within the sector,” says Marcos pascual, Commercial Director, ANAFArMEX.
As they work to expand access, companies should also align their strategies with sustainability needs, an issue critical to the long-term success of the industry, says pascual.
Equity of Access and publicprivate Collaboration
o ne of the most pressing issues is the disparity in access to medical resources
among different regions of the country. rural and marginalized populations are often the most affected by barriers to access to medicines and health technologies. “Access to medicines is an essential part of the right to health, which is a human right,” says Alejandro Luna, partner, oLIVArES.
Healthcare barriers may vary according to social, economic, or political factors, so a multidimensional approach is needed to overcome them, says Luna.
To address these barriers, collaboration between the public and private sector is crucial. “ p rivate initiative efforts can be aligned with public efforts to eliminate these access barriers,” says Eduardo Valencia, Founder, p arque p harma. In addition, biotechnology and co-working models could help to optimize resources, he adds.
To address the needs of its population, Mexico must continue to strengthen its healthcare offer, says ortiz. This goal cannot be achieved by the public sector alone, but requires the participation of private companies. Together, they have the power to change people’s lives.
HOSPITALS: IMPROVING HEALTH SYSTEM PERFORMANCE IN MEXICO
Mexican hospitals face significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and a severe shortage of medical personnel. While adopting innovative technologies is crucial for improving service efficiency and patient outcomes, systemic changes are necessary to address the country’s healthcare needs comprehensively, argue industry experts.
The global shortage of healthcare workers is a major barrier to achieving health and development goals, according to the World Health o rganization (WH o ). Mexico’s healthcare system ranks below the o ECD average, with a 28% deficit in doctors and a 68% shortfall in nurses, as reported by México Evalúa. This shortage strains hospitals, leading to overwhelming workloads and burnout among healthcare workers. “A deficit
of doctors and nurses strains the system to a breaking point. Without addressing this shortage, our medical professionals face an overwhelming workload, which impacts patient care,” says patrick Devlyn, president of the Health Commission, CCE.
Diana Cuevas, p resident, Mexican Council of Medical Tourism, stresses the importance of transparency in healthcare funding.
“Transparency in healthcare funding is essential to ensure resources are properly used, especially in retaining medical talent,” she says. Cuevas highlights that the trend of medical personnel resignations in the United States presents an opportunity for Mexico to expand its medical tourism industry. However, to fully capitalize on this opportunity, Mexico must not only improve retention strategies
but also embrace technological advances that support medical professionals, adds Cuevas.
Even if hospitals manage to retail medical personnel, limited time per patient puts significant constraints on healthcare quality, says João Carapeto, Director General, roche Diagnostics Mexico. “The lack of time impacts care quality. We need to improve healthcare personnel efficiency through technology,” Carapeto said.
BIRMEX: WORLD-CLASS PUBLIC INSTITUTION IN HEALT H SUPPLIES
BI r MEX plays a key role in Mexico’s healthcare system by enhancing the distribution of essential medical supplies. Through partnerships with laboratories and health institutions, the company works to improve the timely delivery of critical items such as cancer medications and CoVID-19 vaccines across the country, explains Jens Lohmann, Managing Director, BI r MEX. p rograms such as Last-Kilometer and the Mega-pharmacy have been essential in this endeavor, he adds.
BI r MEX was designated as a purchase consolidator for Mexico’s health system, taking responsibility for managing and overseeing the entire public health supply chain, explains Lohmann. The company has
Under this scenario, technology can help alleviate heavy workloads in the healthcare sector. “Embracing digital solutions is essential for optimizing patient care and reducing staff burnout,” says Valeria Sánchez, Director General, A p EC Hospital de la Ceguera. Despite these potential benefits, Mexican hospitals still rely on outdated methods, such as using pencil and paper for patient records and scheduling, according to Cero.ai.
Besides the need for technological integration, system fragmentation is a major obstacle, says Jorge Meléndez, General Director, INMEGEN. Fragmentation occurs when public, private, and specialized sectors fail to work together, leading to inefficiencies and gaps in patient care. “System fragmentation is a significant challenge. To enhance healthcare in Mexico, we need a coordinated approach that streamlines care delivery across the entire system,” says Meléndez.
As Mexico confronts significant challenges, including infrastructure deficiencies and severe shortages of medical personnel, it has become evident that a multifaceted approach is essential.
developed a solid logistics infrastructure, which includes state-of-the-art distribution centers (CEDIs) designed to handle large volumes of medical supplies and equipment. According to Lohmann, these centers are equipped with advanced technology that ensures supplies are transported and stored in optimal conditions, meeting all health regulations.
BIrMEX has also implemented automated inventory management systems, allowing real-time monitoring of supplies, optimizing storage space, and minimizing the risk of human error. These systems can easily adapt to fluctuations in demand, ensuring efficiency throughout the supply chain, says Lohmann. Two key programs have been key
“A effective distribution requires detailed planning, from determining routes to collaborating with health institutions to ensure timely deliveries”
Jens Lohmann
Managing
Director | Birmex
to its operations, explains Lohmann. First is the Federal Center for the Storage and Distribution of Health Supplies (CEFEDIS), which centralizes the storage and order preparation for ISSSTE, IMSS, and IMSSBienestar in two industrial facilities totaling 94,127m2 and featuring 90,000 storage slots for various types of medications. Second, the Last-Kilometer service aims to deliver medications and health supplies to remote areas across the 22 states involved in the National Agreement for the Federalization of the Health System for Well-being. BIrMEX is also implementing advanced automated inventory management systems to meet the specific needs of each institution. This includes addressing the challenges of delivering medications to remote areas as part of the IMSS-Bienestar program.
BIrMEX’s partnership with the National Center for Child and Adolescent Health has also played a crucial role in the national vaccination campaign, contributing to efforts to fight the CoVID-19 pandemic and support the broader immunization program. In addition, the company has focused on health initiatives in collaboration with the National Mental Health and Addictions Commission and the National Institutes of Health, further expanding its scope within the public health system.
Despite the progress made, challenges remain, including the need for a unified medication catalog and the standardization of medication and health supply codes among the country’s primary health institutions, says Lohmann. This standardization is crucial for streamlining consolidated purchasing and improving stock management.
BI r MEX must also address the lack of a homogeneous system within Mexico’s health sector by conducting a proper analysis of each institution’s Monthly Average Consumption to enhance consolidated purchasing efficiency. “This means, identifying reorder points for each health center to establish restocking locations in the warehouses, in this case, in Huehuetoca,” says Lohmann.
regulatory changes and the introduction of new medical therapies, which require updates to the national compendium of health supplies, also present obstacles that the company must address.
Looking ahead, BIrMEX sees opportunities in technological innovation and strategic alliances. Technologies like blockchain and the expansion of logistical capabilities through new distribution centers are key steps to enhance efficiency. Another crucial measure is collaboration with manufacturers. “The commitment to the supply chain pushed by p resident López obrador aims not only to optimize resources but also to transform the health system to make it more accessible to vulnerable populations, ensuring the right to health as stated in Article 4 of the Mexican Constitution,” says Lohman.
MEXICO’S API DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION O PPORTUNITY
As Mexico aims to advance in the development and production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (A p Is), its pharmaceutical sector faces multiple challenges related to regulation, technology, and sustainability. Despite these hurdles, Mexico presents strategic advantages that could position it
favorably in the global Ap I market, argue industry experts.
In recent years, Mexico has seen a significant decline in local ApI production. The country once produced nearly 80% of local A p Is, explains r afael Gual, Director General,
CANIFArMA. But this changed dramatically following the free trade agreement of 1994, leading to the disappearance of many production facilities. Mexico now produces only about 4% of its ApIs, says Gual.
“This reduction in production has highlighted the need to strengthen national manufacturing capacity to compete with global leaders like China and India,” says Gual.
The C o VID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of having a secure local supply chain. Gual adds that C oVID-19 made it clear that a reliable supply source is indispensable, both for ensuring the economic stability of the sector and for providing essential medicines to patients. “We are going to need ApI manufacturing in the country, and we have an opportunity to make a significant impact in North America,” says Gual.
Geographic Advantages and Nearshoring opportunities
r elying on leading markets like India and China is no longer an option, either economically or profitably, says r ocío Bermúdez, Vice p resident of Innovation, C o MED. However, Mexico’s chemical and pharmaceutical industries have key advantages is the country’s strategic location, which facilitates nearshoring.
“Mexico, given its strategic position bordering the United States, can benefit in this scenario. Furthermore, the continuity of the USMCA could encourage investment in r&D, promoting technology and innovation in the ApI sector,” says Bermúdez.
To fully capitalize on its potential for A p I manufacturing, Mexico needs a strong and responsive regulatory body. “I would like to see the Federal Commission for protection against Sanitary risks (CoFEprIS) operate with the same process and quality standards as major international organizations. This requires money and talent, and we have it; we just need to incentivize it,” adds Bermúdez.
The alignment of standards between C o FE pr IS and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is crucial, says Bermúdez, not only to raise internal standards but also to ensure that Mexico remains competitive in the international market.
Market potential and production Capacity
Mexico already has experience in A p I manufacturing, explains Javier Mestre, regional Manager, Emcure pharma Mexico. “We know how to do it and do it well, and this experience is an advantage when it comes to ApI production. But we need to know how to leverage the US market, which accounts for 40% of the global ApI market,” says Mestre.
Mexico also has a highly skilled workforce, including professionals and students who are well-prepared to meet the needs of possible growth scenarios, says Mestre.
The Latin American market represents 7% of global A p I consumption, which, combined with the US market, offers Mexico a significant opportunity. Experts suggest that continuing to learn from multiple industries and collaborating with the country’s scientific, academic, and professional base will be key to scaling in this sector.
Materials for ApI production were exempt from tariffs and taxes under previous
administrations. A return to these policies would allow the industry to rebuild its domestic manufacturing capabilities, says Mestre.
Despite the challenges, Mexico’s strong manufacturing capabilities and capable workforce could allow the country to rebuild A p I production, allowing the country to address the needs of its population, be prepared for future health challenges, and position itself as a manufacturing hub.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN THE OPER ATING ROOM
As healthcare advances, operating rooms keep undergoing significant transformations to keep up with modern medical needs. These spaces are critical to hospitals, designed specifically for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. As surgical procedures evolve, so does the infrastructure required to support them, explains Dräger.
“The surgical unit is the heart of a hospital”
Alejandra Nava
Solution Center Manager | Dräger
In recent years, the equipment specifications of operating rooms have shifted. More hospitals are incorporating columns for gas and electrical supply, additional lighting, and high-tech accessories such as screens and cameras to enhance surgical precision. Their ceilings often include more robust lighting and advanced air conditioning systems to ensure optimal conditions during surgical procedures.
Surgical units, often called operating theaters, are facilities within hospitals that allow for complex surgical interventions. Due to the need for sterility and controlled environments, these units are isolated from the rest of the hospital, minimizing the risk of contamination and infection transmission. This isolation is crucial in ensuring patient safety and reducing postoperative complications.
To function effectively, operating rooms must meet several criteria. Among them are optimal working conditions, functionality, and cost-efficiency. Flexibility is also essential, as operating theaters need to adapt to a wide range of procedures. As healthcare providers push for better outcomes, these spaces must also prioritize ergonomics and infection prevention.
o ne of the key drivers behind these innovations is the growing popularity of minimally invasive surgeries. This shift in surgical practices has led to a greater demand for specialized equipment, making operating rooms busier than ever before. Hospitals need to ensure that multiple surgeries can be performed in the same space, often within the same day, without compromising the safety or efficiency of the procedures.
A major breakthrough in operating room technology is the integration of digital systems. Digital integration ensures that all devices within the surgical suite are interconnected, allowing seamless access to patient information and optimizing workflow. This system significantly enhances communication between the surgical team and improves decision-making during procedures.
Additionally, digital integration provides the infrastructure needed for advanced imaging systems, which are essential in modern surgeries. For example, operating rooms now often include HDMI, VGA, SDI, and fiberoptic connections to accommodate medical
imaging equipment. This connectivity is critical for procedures that rely on real-time visuals, such as endoscopic or robotic surgeries.
“Smart operating rooms are becoming increasingly popular, featuring the development of digital integration systems that enable control of any type of image generated by specialized equipment and efficiently centralize patient information,” says Nava.
o ne of the more recent developments in operating room design is the trend toward modular solutions. This allows hospitals to customize surgical spaces based on their specific needs. Modular systems feature walls and other structures that are easy to install, maintain, and rearrange.They offer flexibility, allowing hospitals to adapt quickly to new technological advancements or evolving patient demands.
BUILDING A LEGAL AND OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR HEALTHCARE 4.0
The healthcare industry faces a significant shift with Healthcare 4.0, but its adoption also presents substantial legal and operational challenges, as Mexico’s regulatory frameworks are not fully equipped to support this transformation. The ongoing evolution of technology needs continuous dialogue between public and private entities, while regulations must also adapt to keep pace with emerging advances and ethical considerations, experts say.
The Mexican health industry faces several operational challenges, including limited interoperability between systems, and the need for continuous training on technology, and cybersecurity, says Daniela González, Founder, Mina. The current approach to healthcare information systems requires careful management, as the sheer volume of data being generated demands more
sophisticated methods for handling and sharing information between systems. “While technological infrastructure continues to evolve, the healthcare sector must prioritize securing and maintaining this infrastructure to ensure effective data management and patient safety,” she says.
Healthcare 4.0 aims to leverage advanced technologies and data-driven processes to improve patient care, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce costs. “The sector is moving toward an era of interconnected health systems, where data feedback, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT) will radically change how individuals engage with their health,” says Jesús Hernández, p resident, Mexican HealthTech Association. “However, while Mexico has made strides in this area, there is still significant work to be done to fully capitalize on these technologies.”
one of the key benefits of the implementation of technology in healthcare services is increased access. “Digital transformation could bridge the gap in healthcare access for Mexico’s rural and underserved populations,” says Enrique remezal, CE o, ICo N Group. “Telemedicine, enabled by mobile devices, can connect patients with healthcare providers remotely, helping to alleviate geographic disparities in healthcare availability.”
Mobile devices, along with other wearables like rings and watches, gather patient data to improve patient care, creating opportunities for developers to launch tools and solutions that enhance healthcare and prevention. “Data can move the industry’s efforts toward preventive care to reverse escalating healthcare costs and poor health outcomes,” says Francisco Martínez, Head of Digital Health, Automation, and AI at Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, Siemens Healthineers. By implementing new technologies, healthcare professionals will enhance their ability to implement these new models of care.
However, reaping the benefits of Healthcare 4.0 requires a supportive regulatory environment, but Mexico has significant gaps in healthcare legislation. “There is a need for a comprehensive legal framework, especially concerning data management and the portability of medical records,” says Hernández. More robust regulations are necessary to ensure certainty for health tech startups, as without a clear legal foundation, investment in the sector will remain limited, he adds.
“The lack of comprehensive legal standards poses a risk to patient safety and impedes innovation in the sector,” warns Martínez. “Healthcare legislation must evolve to keep pace with technological advances, especially in areas like robotic surgery and multidisciplinary care, which can save lives.”
r egulations not only protect patients; they can also enhance the quality of care. “ r egulation provides an added value in healthcare services, since verification by authorities guarantees that digital solutions hold medical value,” says Juan Luis Serrano, partner, Sánchez DeVanny Eseverri. To realize a regulatory framework that benefits all players, from medical device suppliers to the patients themselves, collaboration between the public and private sectors is necessary.
Some strides have been made in the development of regulation for Healthcare 4.0. Mexico’s Federal Commission for protection against Health risks (CoFEprIS) has recently published regulations for software as a medical device, which can pave the way for further legislation, says Martínez.
More collaboration between the public and private sectors will be necessary as the need for healthcare services increases.
“The need will become so great that within the second half of the next administration, collaborations will return, as the current system will not be able to handle the demand. This need will pave the way for collaboration and greater access to healthcare services,” says Hernández.
HARNESSING THE POWER OF MEDICAL DEVICES, AI , AND DATA
Healthcare is undergoing a large-scale transformation thanks to the integration of AI and data analytics in medical devices. These tools promise to improve clinical outcomes by offering more accurate diagnostics, personalized treatments, and more efficient workflows. However, as these tools advance, challenges related to ethics, security, and equity arise in their implementation.
AI has revolutionized healthcare by improving diagnosis, predicting outcomes, and personalizing treatments, says Kyla Jones, Senior p rincipal, Medtronic. The technology thus promises to reshape the patient experience.
AI-powered medical devices are capable of identifying and evaluating anomalies, optimizing surgical techniques, and
enhancing image quality, according to NVIDIA. This enables physicians to improve precision and efficiency in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
Additionally, as reported by Medical Device Network, the adoption of big data technologies allows medical device companies to improve patient care while simultaneously strengthening their patent portfolios and forming key partnerships.
“We are seeing technologies that can connect patients with treatment and improve diagnosis,” says Carlos Escobar, Vice president, AMID.
Technology can also help to fill gaps in the healthcare sector. AI tools can greatly simplify processes for doctors, while reducing the complexity of managing large volumes of information, says José Carlos Ferreyra, president, INEFAM. They also allow for the optimization of data validation processes, he adds. Furthermore, Mexico lacks about 800,000 nurses, and AI tools can alleviate workloads and improve operational efficiency in healthcare facilities, ultimately enhancing patient satisfaction and care, says Escobar.
Machine learning plays a key role in medical imaging, such as intravascular ultrasound, where the technology has enabled “the optimization of patient care times, reducing processes from hours to minutes,” says Agustín Zabulanes, Country Manager of Boston Scientific Mexico. AI not only improves the efficiency of treatments but also democratizes access to advanced technologies, which is essential in a healthcare system with significant resource disparities, he adds.
However, the implementation of AI and big data in healthcare raises significant security concerns. The vast amount of data collected by medical devices presents design-related vulnerabilities, making them potential targets for breaches, as highlighted by SGS. Ensuring patient safety and data privacy remains one of the industry’s most pressing challenges.
“AI and big data hold the potential to revolutionize healthcare, but their integration into medical devices requires careful consideration of ethical, security, and equity issues to ensure that these innovations benefit all patients equally,” says Zabulanes. Transparency is key to the ethical use of AI and data, explains Eduardo ortiz, Co-Founder and CEo, Koltin. “The best ethics committee is transparency, informing users about how and why their data is being used,” says ortiz.
Ethical and Security Challenges
The future of healthcare is closely tied to AI, says Jones, but it “requires collaboration and innovation to ensure that all patients benefit from these advances.”
regulations could help the industry embrace an ethical approach to the development of AI tools for medical devices. r egulatory frameworks are essential in ensuring data security and building patient trust in these new technologies, says Escobar.
A strong regulatory framework could also help enhance system interoperability. However, regulation surrounding AI is virtually non-existent in Mexico, creating challenges
for its use in medical devices, says Cristina Campero, CEo, retinIA.
“The main challenges lie in managing and structuring data, as it needs to be organized
and accessible for AI to process it correctly. Additionally, interoperability remains an obstacle, with many doctors still working with paper records, delaying technological advancement in the sector,” says Campero.
PAHO COOPERATION PRIORITIES IN THE REGION
Inequalities in access to healthcare and living conditions are critical issues affecting Mexico and Latin America, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Under these circumstances, the p an American Health o rganization ( pAH o) has outlined key cooperation priorities to address public health challenges, explains José Moya, representative in Mexico, pAHo/WHo
pAHo’s priorities focus on climate change, demographic shifts, the health of migrant populations, antimicrobial resistance, the ongoing risk of epidemics and pandemics, and inequalities in living and health conditions, explains José Moya, r epresentative in Mexico, pAHo/WHo
“After navigating the pandemic and emerging diseases, we are now preparing for future scenarios. Public health is crucial, and we are strengthening our system to ensure ongoing monitoring across the continent”
José Moya
Representative in Mexico | PAHO/WHO
Moreover, demographic changes, particularly the country’s aging population, require new approaches to healthcare. The aging index, which compares the population over 60 to those under 15, reflects the growing need for healthy aging strategies, says Moya.
pAHo also highlights the need to provide healthcare to migrant populations, with over 272 million international migrants globally. Key strategies include strengthening health surveillance, improving access to healthcare for both migrants and host populations, and fighting xenophobia.
The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMr) also poses a significant threat to global health, as it has the potential to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Infections like tuberculosis and diseases impacted by AMr, such as HIV and malaria, are becoming harder to treat, further straining healthcare systems.
Moya highlights that climate change has a profound impact on health outcomes. recent climate-related incidents in the Americas underscore the urgency of addressing air pollution, which remains a leading environmental risk to public health.
The region must also remain vigilant against the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases. The organization aims to eliminate 30 diseases and conditions in the region, including cervical cancer and congenital Chagas disease, while continuing to address ongoing public health emergencies.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes also remain prevalent, exacerbated by unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental factors like air pollution. “Addressing the social and economic factors that hinder proper nutrition requires more than just the involvement of health departments,” says Moya.
pAH o also stresses the need for new approaches to mental health, particularly as depression and other conditions are taking a heavy toll in public health strategies. “one positive outcome of the pandemic is that we now discuss mental health with greater openness,” says Moya,
Through technical cooperation with its member countries, pAH o has worked to combat both communicable and
noncommunicable diseases while responding to various public health emergencies and natural disasters. This ongoing effort has helped bolster the region’s resilience and capacity to handle health crises, all while working toward its broader goal of improving overall population health.
pAH o ’s approach is rooted in an explicit commitment to equity, with the guiding
principle of “leaving no one behind.” To make this vision a reality, pAHo promotes collaboration between countries and various stakeholders. The organization works closely with ministries of health, government agencies, civil society, universities, and international organizations. These partnerships are critical to advancing pAH o ’s goals and fostering more comprehensive, efficient health systems throughout the region.
