Interoperable Health Systems Could Expand Access, Cut Costs

A fully interoperable digital health system could help Mexico reduce annual healthcare costs by millions of pesos. The potential savings stem from reducing duplicated tests, streamlining patient records, and improving care coordination across hospitals, clinics, and remote locations.

“Interoperability is not just a technical issue; it is a key driver for efficiency and better patient outcomes,” says Gustavo Ross, Leader, Transform Health México, to El Economista. “By connecting health information across institutions, Mexico can reduce unnecessary costs and ensure that patients receive timely and coordinated care.”

Healthcare access in Mexico faces persistent challenges. Public estimates indicate that over 50 million people lack adequate medical services, with shortages particularly pronounced in Chiapas, where 66% of the population faces limited access, and among Indigenous communities, where the figure reaches 57%. Geographic and infrastructure gaps have historically hindered the reach of both public programs and private services. Experts say interoperable digital systems could address these disparities by connecting urban hospitals, rural clinics, and mobile health units under a single network.

Satellite internet is emerging as a key enabler of this integration. Satellite connectivity could allow remote clinics to join digital networks within hours, enabling diagnoses, chronic disease monitoring, and emergency coordination even in areas without land-based infrastructure.

Digital health adoption in Mexico and Latin America has accelerated in recent years, driven by digitization, mobile technology, and AI. Guillaume Corpart, Founder and CEO, Global Health Intelligence, says Latin America’s digital health market grew about 37.6% in 2024, compared with 5.5% globally, reaching a value of roughly US$35 billion. Mexico and Brazil account for nearly 78% of the region’s activity. Startups such as Mexico-based Unima, which provides low-cost diagnostics, and Colombia’s 1DOC3, which uses AI to reduce wait times, illustrate how technology can expand access and reduce operational inefficiencies.

Despite these gains, the benefits of digital health remain concentrated in urban areas. Telemedicine adoption depends on three factors: electronic medical records, workflow integration, and regulatory clarity. Aldo Luna, Country Manager, Edrux, says  that while teleconsultations have quadrupled since 2018 and digital prescriptions have increased 3.5 times, connectivity gaps in rural areas prevent telemedicine from becoming a structural solution. 

Satellite-enabled systems offer a practical path forward. A basic setup using a VSAT antenna, Wi-Fi modem, and connected device can transform a rural clinic into a functional telemedicine unit. These systems allow real-time consultations, specialist referrals, and transmission of diagnostic data, including electrocardiograms. Some programs already incorporate Indigenous languages and culturally adapted materials to improve adoption in local communities, reports El Economista. 

AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT Health complement these efforts by helping patients and clinicians organize health data across platforms. The tool allows users to connect medical records and wellness apps, interpret test results, and track trends, supporting informed discussions with healthcare providers. OpenAI emphasizes that ChatGPT Health is a support tool, not a replacement for clinical care, and employs encryption and data isolation to protect sensitive information.

Industry analysts expect that once Mexico establishes robust connectivity and interoperable systems, the country could expand the use of electronic clinical records, national health registries, AI-assisted diagnostics, and remote training for healthcare workers. This integrated approach could significantly reduce redundant testing and administrative inefficiencies, ultimately lowering healthcare costs.