7th August 2024
Table of Contents
Healthcare in Mexico is an evolving topic of discussion, especially considering the challenges and opportunities patients face regarding access to health services. Mexico’s fragmented health system complicates the patient's journey, especially in the case of chronic conditions, such as oncology.
In recent years, the reorganization of the Mexican health system, with the change of the Seguro Popular in January 2020 to the Institute of Health for Welfare (Insabi) and its subsequent replacement by the IMSS Bienestar in 2023, has introduced both significant opportunities and challenges, as this system serves more than 60 million people. It seeks to provide universal access to health services, especially for those not covered by Social Security.
However, the transition has been complicated, as highlighted by Laura Suchil, clinical researcher and former Director General of Research at Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCAN): “The lack of clarity and communication about the transition process has created confusion among patients. In addition, maintaining the drug supply chain and retaining healthcare professionals are ongoing challenges.”
Laura, who has extensive experience in supporting patient programs and is a member of the Asociación Mexicana para el Estudio de la Hematología, said, “It is essential to work with civil society organizations (CSOs) to compensate for resource constraints in public institutions.” She also said that CSOs not only provide additional support to patients but also help cover critical aspects such as housing, transportation, and adequate information. “This collaborative approach has become essential, allowing the creation of targeted patient support programs that strengthen the health system's responsiveness and improve the patient experience,” she added while speaking at a webinar organized by Axios International on ‘There is no health without access: Navigating a patient’s journey in Mexico.’
Civil society perspective
Organizations must adapt to the diverse circumstances of the patient's journey, from lack of care to specialist shortages, and work together to provide comprehensive support.
"It is crucial for organizations to collect and systemize information to facilitate the decision-making process. The fragmentation of the health system and information complicates the picture, but through networks and alliances, we can offer better support to patients,” said Leticia Aguiar, General Manager of ConAcción Salud and an expert consultant in civil society organizations.
It is also very important to prepare patients to participate in healthcare reform. The new architecture for social engagement in healthcare offers spaces for patients to contribute their expertise and knowledge, which can lead to a more patient-centered system. Education and empowerment in this context benefit the individual, strengthen the patient community, and improve the overall healthcare system.
A comprehensive and collaborative approach
The patient journey in Mexico is marked by several challenges, from economic conditions to lack of access to information and appropriate treatment. However, it is possible to improve access to quality healthcare through innovative and collaborative approaches, such as those designed and managed by Axios International in partnership with the program sponsors and supported by various CSOs.
A patient-centered approach, such as that taken by Axios International, an access to healthcare company with over two decades of experience designing and implementing access solutions, prioritizing their unique needs and experiences, is essential to move towards a more inclusive and efficient healthcare system in Mexico.
Valeriia Mykolaienko, Regional Operations Lead at Axios International, speaking at the webinar, said: “One of the key opportunities is to continue to put the patient at the center, addressing accessibility challenges in a sustainable way by working together as partners with various stakeholders in the market. However, one of the biggest opportunities we see is having a more holistic approach to supporting patients because most of the patient journey happens outside the hospital setting.” It should be emphasized that one of the main challenges of the health system in Mexico is access to quality healthcare and affordability of innovative medicines. Collaboration with multiple stakeholders is crucial to addressing these issues in a sustainable way. In addition, a holistic approach that considers patient support outside of the hospital setting is needed, which is essential to ease the burden on the health system and improve treatment outcomes.
Patient empowerment and continuing education
Another crucial aspect is patient empowerment. Patient education about their disease, treatment management, and support from family members and caregivers is critical to improving health outcomes.
Implementing digital solutions in health is urgent, especially for remote communities. Such digital tools enable efficient healthcare delivery and more robust data collection, essential for planning and developing effective health policies and access to healthcare strategies.
Digital apps such as Axios+ provide intuitive tools to enhance patients' experiences and medical outcomes while facilitating the delivery of Axios-managed Patient Access Programs (PAPs and PSPs).
Effectively navigating the patient journey in Mexico, from the fragmentation of the health system to the accessibility of innovative treatments, is more critical than ever before. This is why scaling and seizing opportunities for improvement through collaboration with like-minded partners is significant. Collaboration between institutions, CSOs, and other stakeholders, along with holistic patient empowerment, education, and implementation of digital technologies, can transform the Mexican healthcare system to benefit more patients.
It is possible to build a more resilient and patient-centered healthcare system that improves health outcomes and promotes patients' holistic well-being anywhere in the world. The patient journey in Mexico can be arduous, but with collaborative efforts, a more holistic approach, and a shared vision to make access a reality for more people, the path to equitable and efficient health care is achievable.
