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Meeting Highlights:
- Fujifilm’s Transformation: From consumables to a leader in integrated healthcare solutions, focusing on IT and medical equipment, particularly in Mexico, where hospital chains need better data consolidation.
- Promoting Preventive Healthcare in Mexico: Fujifilm is reshaping the culture of medical check-ups, encouraging preventive care to reduce long-term costs, with a focus on expanding endoscopy access for early cancer detection.
- Cloud-Based AI Integration: Fujifilm is adopting a flexible cloud infrastructure for better vendor connectivity and AI-driven solutions, with an emphasis on doctor-AI collaboration to enhance diagnostics, especially in radiology.
- Research & Development in Mexico: Mexico’s shift towards innovation is accelerating healthcare research, particularly in genomics, clinical trials, and drug development, as universities invest in their own hospitals or form partnerships.
- Legacy & Innovation: With 25 years of personal experience and 62 years in Mexico. Enrique emphasizes the importance of staying humble, being open to innovation, and being adaptable to continuously addressing emerging challenges.
EF: What are your current priorities? What challenges and opportunities do you see for 2025?
EG: As a company with a broad portfolio, we see several opportunities within healthcare to continue expanding our business while shaping the healthcare landscape in Mexico to be more efficient, accessible, and preventive-focused.
In the short term, medical IT is one of our main focus areas. We hold a significant market share in Mexico, and this sector is advancing rapidly. Through recent acquisitions and regulatory changes, hospital chains are expanding and integrating various facilities, creating an opportunity for IT solutions to consolidate and standardize information across different technologies. This integration is also relevant in the public sector, where government tenders and program structures are evolving, providing an opportunity for higher-end technologies to drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
As highlighted by OECD data, one of the most pressing issues in Mexico is the shortage of doctors, particularly radiologists. AI-driven workflow optimization is crucial in bridging this gap and ensuring the country meets its diagnostic needs. We specialize in this area and are currently one of the fastest-growing companies in advanced radiology equipment. For example, our presence in CT scanners has expanded significantly in recent years. Similarly, we see great potential for growth in MRI technology.
Another key growth area is endoscopy, which still has limited reach in Mexico. Expanding this field presents a dual opportunity, both for business growth and for lowering the costs associated with treating conditions like cancer, which become significantly more expensive when diagnosed late.
In the longer term, we want to reshape the approach to health check-ups in Mexico. Historically, preventive care has not been deeply ingrained in Mexico, but companies are helping shift this mindset. Regular check-ups improve individual health outcomes and reduce overall healthcare costs.
EF: How do you think AI, automation, and machine learning can transform radiology and imaging technologies for diagnostics? How receptive is a country like Mexico to these advancements?
EG: AI applications should be discussed in relation to the specific areas where they can improve technology. One of the earliest uses of AI in the industry has been in X-ray and radiology. Unlike generative AI, these earlier technologies rely on image recognition and pattern analysis. Today’s algorithms are highly sophisticated, but the automated selection of the right algorithm for each diagnosis remains a key challenge. Most AI models are designed to detect a specific illness or condition, so ensuring seamless coordination among different models is crucial.
In this regard, Mexico has played an important role in AI adoption. In 2021, one of the largest AI radiology installations globally was in Mexico. The shift toward more flexible cloud-based infrastructures has been a game-changer, allowing for better connectivity among different vendors and increased computing power to support AI-driven diagnostics. This transition is enabling more hospitals and institutions to leverage AI effectively.
We have learned that the implementation cycle for AI in radiology can take up to a year. Initially, there is a phase where AI and doctors are almost in competition, evaluating who performs better. However, over time, AI has become a valuable tool for physicians, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, and the benefits become clear.
From a regulatory perspective, radiology is one of the easier fields for AI integration. Since it operates offline and does not involve direct patient interaction, the doctor remains responsible for signing off on diagnoses. It is still essential to rigorously evaluate AI models to ensure accuracy and reliability, minimizing the risk of diagnostic errors.
Another aspect involves generative AI, which is used to streamline report generation based on doctors' findings. This application is not part of the clinical diagnosis but enhances communication, proving highly beneficial in standardizing and optimizing reporting processes.
Looking ahead, we are actively promoting real-time AI, which will be particularly crucial in diagnostic fields where immediate clinical evaluation is necessary, such as ultrasound and endoscopy. Unlike radiology, where AI algorithms can run in the background and analyze images post-examination, real-time AI must be seamlessly integrated into the medical device to provide instant insights. This allows improved image quality, early detection of cell transformations, and higher diagnostic accuracy during the procedure. Ensuring AI is embedded directly within these devices is critical to maintaining efficiency and supporting doctors in real-time clinical decision-making.
EF: Fujifilm is expanding into solutions for precision medicine and genomic diagnostics. How is Mexico positioned when it comes to advancing innovations in personalized medicine?
EG: One of the most important developments is the cultural shift in Mexico toward a more innovation-driven approach. More universities in Mexico are investing in their own hospitals or strengthening collaborations with existing medical institutions. This shift accelerates research and development, particularly in genomics and drug development, where clinical trials require close and extended patient monitoring.
Additionally, Mexico’s extensive IT network and large datasets provide valuable research opportunities. Access to comprehensive data allows for a better understanding of Mexico’s unique exposure to specific risks, such as certain cancers and diseases. Leveraging this information can improve both diagnostics and preventive healthcare strategies.
Furthermore, some of our customers collaborate with international research institutes, sharing diagnostic data in a secure and anonymized way. The exchange of information is now easier than ever and plays a crucial role in advancing medical research while ensuring patient privacy through blind studies. Ultimately, these advancements contribute to the overall healthcare improvement in Mexico, positioning the country as an emerging hub for medical innovation.
EF: How is Fujifilm contributing to the shift to preventive medicine? What role does the company play in raising awareness about early diagnostics, and how do you collaborate with public and private partners in Mexico to promote this transformation?
EG: Mexican culture has traditionally been reactive in healthcare, with people seeking medical attention only when unwell. However, there has been a noticeable change over the last few years, particularly with the onset of COVID-19. The pandemic made people more conscious of their health. While the government has been pushing for preventive medicine, the efforts have yet to resonate with the population. The private sector, on the other hand, has done a great job expanding diagnostic services.
While the government has been pushing for preventive medicine, the efforts have yet to fully resonate with the population. The private sector, on the other hand, has done a great job expanding diagnostic services.
Despite this shift, cost remains a challenge. Healthcare prices in Mexico are higher than in countries like the US or Japan, where the cost of living is higher. Routine check-ups are often unaffordable, and diagnostic costs are tied to volume—greater use of equipment like endoscopy towers could reduce expenses.
To address this, we collaborate with high-volume clinics to lower costs and improve access. These nationwide clinics prioritize efficiency and affordability. We are expanding their diagnostic offerings, particularly in blood testing, X-rays, and eye care. While progress has been made, there is significant room for growth. We are also piloting trials to enhance diagnostic capabilities, enabling quick, comprehensive check-ups based on clinical history.
Another important factor is insurance. Most insurers still do not cover regular check-ups, leading to higher costs for treating advanced diseases. Some are now introducing programs encouraging check-ups and partially covering costs—an important step in promoting diagnostics. While progress is slow and coverage remains limited for those with public or no insurance, this shift in mindset is helping more people take preventive care seriously.
From a very practical aspect, it is not easy to increase the number of MRIs, given the space and infrastructure requirements. Even in developed markets, the installation is challenging and requires extensive planning and on-site preparation. Therefore, Fujifilm is focusing its research globally on making MRI installations more efficient. Technologies like zero-helium MRI are already available in Japan, and installation and operating costs are significantly lower because of the reduction of expensive helium replacements.
This innovation is especially valuable in high-demand regions where MRI access is limited. While appointment shortages are a global issue, they are more severe in developing countries with constrained healthcare investments. Newer technologies will greatly increase the number of MRI machines installed and used in these regions.
EF: Why is investing in diagnostics in Mexico a better choice than anywhere else? What makes it a smarter investment?
EG: OECD reports highlight Mexico’s high healthcare spending but low investment in diagnostics, as costs are mostly destined to treatment. This gap presents a major growth opportunity. There is substantial potential to expand diagnostic services, not just in Mexico City but across the country and Latin America.
The demand for diagnostic devices is already strong and continues to grow. Unlike markets with abundant diagnostic offerings, Mexico provides a more cost-effective environment for customer acquisition. If an operation is well-structured and can achieve sufficient volume, which is feasible in most major Mexican cities, investment in diagnostics will yield a strong return due to the high demand. Investing where diagnostics are most needed ensures both meaningful healthcare impact and financial returns.
EF: Many companies are separating their healthcare divisions from their main operations, but Fujifilm has chosen to keep everything integrated. Was this a strategic decision? How does the healthcare division contribute to Fujifilm's overall business?
EG: A diversified company structure creates financial stability, making it more resilient to market shifts and industry changes. Fujifilm’s healthcare division is one of its fastest-growing areas. Keeping all divisions integrated provides a key advantage by allowing resources to be shared across the company. This is especially important when profits from other divisions help support growth.
Fujifilm’s most profitable divisions, such as photography, have undergone significant transformations. While their future growth may be more limited, the company can reinvest those profits into medical research and other development areas.
Diversification is essential for a company’s stability and growth. Fujifilm has taken the opposite approach of integrating many of its acquisitions into Fujifilm Holdings. Even the office printing business, formerly Xerox, is expanding globally under this structure.
EF: What has allowed Fujifilm to remain strong and successful over the years? As you prepare to celebrate 25 years at the company, what message would you share with your employees in your speech?
EG: There are both advantages and disadvantages to executives staying in their roles for a long time, but I have observed the positive impact of leadership continuity. While new talent refreshes company culture, staying in a role allows deep market understanding.
One key factor is trust. Customers build strong relationships over time, and frequent leadership changes can disrupt them. Business agreements and informal ideas may lose momentum with new executives. A consistent point of contact strengthens relationships, especially with stable local companies.
Finding the balance of a strong foundation and the ability to make adjustments within the company to stay competitive, adapt to market trends, and refine the focus of marketing strategies is crucial.
The combination of a dynamic company like Fujifilm with a consistent leadership structure in Mexico has worked well in the long run. Although I am celebrating my 25th anniversary, our company has been in Mexico for over 60 years. This longevity speaks to the strength of the approach, and it truly aligns with representing a Japanese company in a meaningful way.
EF: What final message would you like to share with our audience to keep healthcare a priority and inspire a positive outlook?
EG: At Fujifilm, we’ve undergone major transformations—not just political shifts but a complete reinvention. Once a consumables company, we now generate much of our sales from IT equipment. Over 25 years, our operations, products, and customers have changed significantly.
Experienced executives may feel they’ve seen it all, but new challenges arise every year. The key is staying open to innovation, being flexible, and seeing problems as opportunities. Fujifilm’s transformation, including in Mexico, underscores the value of adaptability. While experience helps us handle new problems, we must always stay humble and keep learning. For every change, there is a new way to approach it, and that mindset is essential for driving innovation.
