Driving a New Era of Efficiency, Access and Collaboration

Q: What is the role of Siemens Healthineers within the company as a whole?

A: At Siemens Healthineers, we pioneer breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. Our digital health solutions play a crucial role in achieving this vision, empowering us to optimize workflows, enhance diagnostics, and personalize treatment, ultimately improving the patient experience.

We are a global healthcare company with over 72,000 employees dedicated to improving patient lives. We operate directly in over 72 countries, developing innovative solutions across a wide range of areas, including digital health, diagnostic imaging, advanced therapies, laboratory diagnostics, and oncology, where we're expanding our impact through our acquisition of Varian, a leader in cancer care. Our goal is to make a meaningful impact on healthcare worldwide.

Q: What are the key challenges for advancing digital health in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean? 

A:This region is brimming with potential, but also faces unique challenges. One significant barrier is that healthcare spending is relatively low – in Mexico, it represents about 6% of GDP compared to over 15% in the US. This creates gaps in access to technology and impacts digital health adoption.

While governments recognize the importance of digital health, progress can be slow. For example, Mexico has seen various digital health initiatives come and go with different administrations, from President Calderón's early efforts to the more recent plans under President Sheinbaum for a universal electronic health record. These are promising, but such complex projects require sustained funding, strong collaboration, and long-term strategies to truly take hold.

In the private sector, many hospitals are small, with limited resources for digital transformation. They may prioritize immediate needs over long-term investments and might also lack the in-house expertise to navigate data security and privacy concerns.

Ultimately, advancing digital health here requires a multi-pronged approach: increased awareness, robust infrastructure, supportive health policies, and solutions that address the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Q: What are the key considerations when implementing digital health solutions, particularly in Mexico’s fragmented private healthcare sector?

A: Implementing digital health solutions in Mexico's private sector requires a deep understanding of its unique landscape. Cultural change is a significant factor. Initiatives like electronic health records demand comprehensive change management strategies. Leadership needs to champion these projects, making the value clear to all staff. If users don't see the benefits, they may resist, hindering a smooth transition.

It is important to remember that Mexico has a fragmented private healthcare sector with approximately 2,900 private hospitals, 90.5% of them with 24 beds or fewer. These smaller hospitals often prioritize immediate needs over digital transformation due to limited resources. Many rely on second-hand or remanufactured equipment, highlighting the budget constraints they face.

Data security and privacy are also critical considerations. Small facilities may have limited knowledge of data management and security regulations. This demands a focus on education and tailored solutions. At Siemens Healthineers, we offer comprehensive support and consulting to help these hospitals implement secure, effective solutions that meet their specific needs and comply with regulatory standards.

Q: What achievements should be accomplished by the end of the current term to consider it successful in terms of digital health?

A: Success in digital health transformation isn't about reaching a single endpoint, but rather about establishing a solid foundation for ongoing progress. It's crucial to define clear objectives, set milestones, and establish a realistic timeline. This allows for continuous measurement and adjustments along the way.

Implementing a universal electronic health record (EHR) is a great example. It's a complex undertaking that requires sustained effort, resources, and a phased approach. Take Austria, for instance. Their EHR nationwide initiative, ELGA, began in 2002 and took almost 18 years to complete all different phases & regions. It involved changing legislation, addressing interoperability challenges, and integrating diverse systems for seamless data sharing.

Ultimately, the key to success lies in a clear roadmap supported by legislative changes, public health policies aligned with world health standards, and a commitment to long-term sustainability and interoperability. While some results might be visible in the short term, the true impact of digital health initiatives often unfolds over a decade or more.

Q: What key digital health initiatives are being implemented in other countries in the region that Mexico can learn from?

A: We are seeing inspiring progress in digital health across Latin America. For example, we are collaborating with Costa Rica's Social Security Fund to digitize all 50 of its hospitals, focusing on diagnostic imaging. We are also collaborating in a similar initiative with Guatemala's Social Security Institute, which is digitizing its 30 hospitals across the country.

These projects highlight a growing trend: emerging economies are recognizing the value of investing in digital health. They're seeing how it can improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and ultimately, provide better patient care.   

A key learning from these initiatives is the importance of interoperability. We need to avoid information silos and create secure ecosystems where healthcare providers can seamlessly access a patient's complete medical history – treatments, allergies, procedures, diagnoses, and exams, for example. This seamless flow of information is crucial for optimizing resources and delivering the best possible care."   

Q: How can Siemens contribute to advancing digital health in Mexico?

A: At Siemens Healthineers, we're committed to being more than just a technology provider; we're a dedicated partner in Mexico's digital health journey. We bring a wealth of global experience, best practices, and a collaborative approach to help healthcare providers navigate this complex landscape.

We offer comprehensive support, including:

Strategic guidance: We provide consultative and executive guidance, aligning our solutions with national plans and government objectives.

Implementation expertise: We assist with implementation, ensuring a smooth transition to new digital tools and workflows.

Ongoing support: We offer post-go-live support, customer success management, and build long-term relationships to ensure our clients achieve their digital health goals.

We recognize the importance of collaboration. We foster public-private partnerships, bringing together expertise from various stakeholders, including health system leaders and change management specialists.

Our solutions are designed with interoperability in mind. They can integrate with existing systems from various manufacturers, thanks to our agnostic and multilingual code approach. This allows us to leverage our clients' existing infrastructure, maximizing their investments and minimizing disruption.

Q: How do you envision digitalization shaping the future of healthcare and improving access to care globally?

A: Digitalization has the power to revolutionize healthcare, making it more accessible, efficient, and patient-centered. Imagine a world where:

Geography is no longer a barrier: Patients in remote areas can access specialized care through telemedicine and remote monitoring.

Costs are reduced: Digital tools streamline workflows, optimize resources, and reduce administrative burdens, making healthcare more affordable.

Outcomes are improved: Data-driven insights and AI-powered diagnostics enhance decision-making, leading to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments.

We are already seeing this transformation unfold. Advances in genomics and AI are opening new frontiers in medicine, and we're only beginning to glimpse the potential.

But amidst all this technological advancement, we must never lose sight of the human element. At Siemens Healthineers, we believe that digitalization should always be human-centric, focused on empowering patients and healthcare professionals to achieve better outcomes.

Q: How can leaders foster collaboration and adaptability to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital health landscape? 

A: The digital health landscape is constantly evolving, demanding that leaders foster both collaboration and adaptability within their teams. Here are some key principles I've found valuable:

Embrace change: We have seen massive shifts in technology and healthcare delivery in recent years. Leaders must be open to uncertainty and willing to embrace new ideas and approaches. This includes investing in continuous learning and re-skilling initiatives for their teams.

Foster open communication: Constant dialogue and active listening are crucial. Create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. This builds trust and encourages collaboration.

Build strong teams: Assemble teams with diverse skills and perspectives, united by a shared vision and clear objectives. Foster a sense of community and camaraderie, where people can connect both personally and professionally.

Stay humble: No one has all the answers in this rapidly evolving field. Leaders need to acknowledge their limitations, surround themselves with experts, and be open to learning from others. This fosters a culture of continuous growth and improvement.

Siemens Healthineers, has pioneered breakthroughs in healthcare for over 125 years. The company's mission is to make healthcare more accessible and effective for everyone, everywhere, sustainably. Siemens Healthineers achieves this through a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, from diagnostics to therapy, powered by digitization, data, and AI