Current State and Potential of the Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry in Mexico, encompassing both public and private sectors, is valued at over 450,000 million pesos. Despite this figure being relatively low compared to the nation’s overall economic size, it presents an opportunity for development. Enrique Martínez Moreno, Director General of the Instituto Farmacéutico de México (INEFAM), highlighted this during a recent discussion.
Stable Growth Amidst Challenges
Martínez Moreno pointed out that the industry’s value has remained stable, growing at rates between 2% and 3% annually. However, during the pandemic, the industry demonstrated resilience, growing by over 10% on average annually.
He emphasized that the industry’s growth potential could be higher, suggesting a need for transformation in production and product portfolios. Martínez Moreno explained, “The industry should focus on developing more effective and innovative medications, diversifying its production to include drugs that better meet patient needs.”
Technological Advancements and Product Diversification
Promoting the development and use of new technologies in the pharmaceutical industry is crucial. This includes exploring alternative forms of medication, such as biologics. Simultaneously, it’s essential to continue producing high-demand pharmaceutical forms, ranging from disinfectants to solid oral medications.
The focus is shifting towards biotherapeutics and hemoderivatives. The latter, derived from blood plasma, are primarily imported in Mexico but are vital for treating delicate conditions like hemophilia.
Strategic Public Health Spending
Martínez Moreno stressed the need to increase public health spending, but emphasized that it should be “much more strategic and well-planned.” The goal is to ensure access to innovative medications and timely medical care.
He noted that before analyzing public health spending in terms of amounts, it’s crucial to understand what is being consumed and the diseases currently faced and those expected in the future.
This understanding will help define priorities regarding which diseases to address, which medications to produce locally, which to import, and how to direct production towards the public market.
Addressing Gaps in Public Health System
Martínez Moreno identified a significant challenge: the public health system has failed to fully meet population needs in recent years.
This has led to increased demand for private medical services, particularly for high-specialty medications and outpatient care.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current value of Mexico’s pharmaceutical industry? It is valued at over 450,000 million pesos.
- How has the industry performed during the pandemic? It grew by over 10% annually on average, demonstrating resilience.
- What changes does INEFAM suggest for the industry? INEFAM recommends focusing on more effective and innovative medications, diversifying product portfolios, and embracing new technologies.
- What role does public health spending play? INEFAM advocates for strategic, well-planned public health spending to ensure access to innovative medications and timely medical care.
- What challenges does Mexico’s public health system face? The system has struggled to meet population needs, leading to increased demand for private medical services.
