Introduction and Background
Mexico’s healthcare system has long faced challenges in coverage and funding, prompting pharmacies—especially adjacent consultation rooms (CAF)—to emerge as a crucial alternative for primary care. With over 62,000 establishments nationwide and a growing role in first-level consultations (five out of ten), pharmacies have become a complement to the public sector, offering accessibility, proximity, and flexibility. However, the broader healthcare industry faces hurdles in digitalization, clinical interoperability, and financial sustainability, necessitating a sustainable operational efficiency strategy.
Mexico’s Pharmaceutical Market
The Mexican pharmaceutical market is the second-largest in Latin America, projected to reach $38.5 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 6.9%. This dynamism stems from a robust manufacturing base, skilled labor force, and adaptation of pharmacy chains to consumer needs through medical and wellness services. The rise of generic medications, which account for over 90% of the market, has also been pivotal. Legal reforms, such as mandatory prescription by generic name in 2022, have solidified this model.
The Emergence and Growth of Adjacent Consultation Rooms (CAF)
CAFs emerged in 197 with Farmacias Similares and have grown exponentially, from 239 in 2001 to over 6,500 in 2018, driven by limited public access. During health emergencies, their role has been essential: they functioned as alternative consultation points during the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak and became safe, accessible spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, absorbing demand and supporting primary care.
Current Challenges
- Regulation and Compliance: Risk of closure or penalties for non-compliance with Cofepris standards, lack of traceability in over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and improper handling of returnable packaging.
- Labor Conditions: Short consultation times and precarious circumstances that may lead to incorrect diagnoses or substandard care.
- Inadequate Interoperability: The NOM-024-SSA3-2010, regarding electronic clinical records, remains partially implemented, fragmenting care continuity.
- Induced Prescription Practices: The proximity between CAF and pharmacies may foster potential commercial conflicts of interest.
- Referral and Counter-referral Issues: Difficulties in deriving patients to secondary and tertiary levels of care and returning them to primary or secondary levels.
- Barriers in efficiently connecting secondary and tertiary care levels.
- Sale of counterfeit or irregular medications: A persistent issue despite legal and inter-institutional operational frameworks, particularly in individual pharmacies.
Strategic Opportunities
- Digitalization of processes (electronic prescriptions, e-commerce, telemedicine).
- Continuing expansion into underserved areas and broadening service offerings.
- Adopting standardized protocols for common conditions, reducing pressure on emergency services.
- Environmental sustainability as a competitive differentiator.
- Professionalizing staff, ensuring titled healthcare personnel and continuous training, aligning with international standards.
Utilizing artificial intelligence and big data for inventory management and personalized care.
Conclusion
Mexican pharmacies have shown resilience and capability in complementing the public sector, particularly in primary care and crisis situations. To solidify their role as strategic actors within the healthcare system, it’s crucial to advance digitalization, strengthen regulation, ensure interoperability, and establish mixed financing schemes. This transformation will turn challenges into competitive advantages, drive sustainable growth, and contribute to the health rights of millions of Mexicans.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the significance of adjacent pharmacies (CAF) in Mexico’s healthcare system?
A: CAFs have become a crucial alternative for primary care, complementing the public sector with accessibility, proximity, and flexibility. They have grown exponentially to address limited public access and played essential roles during health emergencies.
- Q: What challenges does Mexico’s pharmaceutical market face?
A: The market faces hurdles in digitalization, clinical interoperability, and financial sustainability. However, it is the second-largest in Latin America, driven by a robust manufacturing base, skilled labor force, and adaptation to consumer needs.
- Q: How can the pharmacy sector in Mexico capitalize on strategic opportunities?
A: By embracing digitalization, ensuring regulatory compliance, enhancing interoperability, and adopting mixed financing schemes, the sector can transform challenges into competitive advantages, foster sustainable growth, and contribute to the health rights of millions.
