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Pharmaceutical Industry Calls for Investment in Innovation

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By Sofía Garduño | Journalist & Industry Analyst - Thu, 03/30/2023 - 10:00

During AMIIF’s Innovation Week, experts highlighted the role that innovation plays in improving Mexico’s healthcare system and how it benefits patient’s quality of life.

The medical tourism industry in Mexico, worth US$5 billion before the pandemic, is expected to grow by 25% by 2030 but the sector has to grapple with several risks, including security, infectious diseases and continuity of care.

Meanwhile, leaders of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN Environment Program (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) called for the implementation of policies based on the One Health approach to benefit people, animals and the environment.

This is The Week in Health!

Healthcare Investment Drives Social, Economic Growth

Healthcare advances significantly benefit national economies, leading to growth and innovation. In the pharmaceutical industry, innovation has dramatically changed people's lives. However, challenges such as low public spending and inequality must be addressed. During AMIIF’s Innovation Week, experts advocated for continued investment and prioritization of innovation in healthcare to yield indirect savings and improve multiple areas, including job creation and productivity. Read the article here.

Countries Urged to Prioritize One Health Approach

The leaders of the FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH have called for the implementation of policies based on the One Health approach, which aims to mobilize multiple sectors to prevent, predict, detect and respond to global health threats such as COVID-19. The leaders are urging all countries and key stakeholders to prioritize this approach and strengthen national One Health policies, strategies and plans to promote global health security. They also call for strengthening scientific knowledge, R&D and technology transfer, and for increased investment and financing of One Health strategies and plans. Learn more about the program here.

Medical Tourism Sector Calls for Regulation

The kidnapping of four US citizens in Tamaulipas, Mexico, in February 2023 has raised concerns about the risks of medical tourism in the country, both in terms of security and potential complications after procedures. While Mexico is a key medical tourism hub, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn of potential risks when visiting the country, including exposure to infectious diseases, communication challenges, air travel risks and issues in providing continuity of care. The medical tourism industry was worth US$5 billion in Mexico before the pandemic and is expected to grow by 25% by 2030. The CDC advises those seeking medical treatment abroad to take precautions such as undergoing pre-travel consultations, researching providers and facilities and arranging for follow-up care. Read the whole article on MBN.

Ensuring the Health of Newborns Through Screening Tests

Mexico's National Perinatology Institute (INPer) applies up to five types of screening tests to diagnose health conditions that put newborns at risk. Congenital and hereditary conditions in newborns may not be apparent immediately after birth, and screening tests can ensure the correct functioning of the metabolic, auditive, visual, cardiovascular and motor systems. Over 700 metabolic disorders can affect babies and metabolic screening helps identify diseases such as congenital hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, galactosemia, cystic fibrosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and glucose deficiency. Screening tests can give premature newborns a chance to live without a disability or irreversible mental problems. Learn more about it here.

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