The Week in Health: Oversight, Insurtech, Measles

Baja California has strengthened its regulatory oversight of pharmaceuticals and medical devices through a delegation agreement with COFEPRIS. Meanwhile, Medline inaugurates a new manufacturing plant in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, expanding its operations. Additionally, Mexico has emerged as a resilient insurtech hub despite an industry slowdown globally, attracting foreign investment and fostering innovation. 

In international news, the US healthcare industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, adding over 650,000 jobs, but faces an imminent nurse shortage, as highlighted in a report by Altarum. Meanwhile, the WHO issues a warning of a potential global measles outbreak in 2024.

The Week in Health: 

Mexico 

Baja California to Enhance Regulation of Medical Device Industry

Alejandro Svarch Pérez, Head of the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS), handed a delegation agreement to Baja California’s Minister of Health, José Adrián Medina Amarillas. This agreement primarily aims to enhance regulatory oversight in key health sectors, particularly pharmaceuticals and medical devices, to improve production capabilities and ensure compliance. Learn more about it here

Medline Expands Operations with New Plant in Nuevo Laredo

Medline's new manufacturing plant, Medline Hudson RCI, opened its doors in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, with a ceremony attended by officials from the state and local governments, along with other special guests. Read more about it here

Mexico's Rise as a Insurtech Hub

Despite a slowdown across the broader insurtech landscape, Mexico stands out as a resilient hub, persistently attracting foreign investment and fostering innovation, as outlined in the Digital Insurance 2024 LATAM Insurance Journey report. Learn more about it here.

International

Challenges Ahead for Healthcare Amid Nurse Shortage

The US  healthcare industry is seeing staggering growth with the addition of over 650,000 jobs — the fastest expansion in more than three decades, found a report by Altarum. However, as this growth trajectory persists, healthcare providers are on the precipice of a nurse shortage. Read the whole story here. 

WHO Warns of Potential Global Measles Outbreak in 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a stark warning that over half of the world's countries could be at a high or very high risk of measles outbreaks by the end of 2024, unless immediate action is taken to address immunization gaps. This underscores the imperative of prioritizing public health, ensuring the continuity of essential services during crises, and fostering global cooperation to safeguard vulnerable populations. Read the whole story here.