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Meeting highlights:
- Healthcare is the main pillar of societal development, and a national priority for innovation, productivity, and well-being within society.
- The Role of Economic and Social Progress: Investing in healthcare contributes to both economic growth (healthy workforce) and social progress (collaboration among sectors).
- Psicofarma prioritizing prevention in mental health.
- Importance of long-term strategies with flexibility for having an equitable and sustainable healthcare system.
- Enhancing access to essential medications through a stronger supply chain.
- AI Transforming Healthcare: Using AI to reshape the industry with structured, adaptable processes.
- Local Growth and Global Expansion: Boosting productivity and value while diversifying into international markets. Productivity, value-added work, and internationalization (diversification ) for establishing a local company and enriching the footprint globally.
- Talent Management and Workforce development at the core of Psicofarma’s 50 years of growth.
EF: If you had the opportunity to speak to an audience of investors, such as at the JP Morgan Conference in San Francisco earlier this year or at Davos, what message would you convey about the importance of investing in healthcare?
AO: Healthcare is a fundamental pillar of society and a critical driver of both public and private initiatives. Its development is essential to sustaining innovation, productivity, and overall well-being. Recognizing healthcare as a national priority demands a collective commitment from governments, businesses, and individuals alike. Neglecting this responsibility risks impeding both economic and social progress.
Economic growth thrives on corporate investment, while societal advancement flourishes in areas such as literature and the arts—both of which benefit from a strong healthcare foundation supported by a collaborative community. To drive greater investment in healthcare, we must first acknowledge and advocate for the necessity of substantial, sustained funding.
Different healthcare models worldwide have had varying degrees of success, from the United States to European systems, each with advantages and disadvantages. However, public spending is essential in every country, as segments of the population will always be unable to access healthcare without it. I must emphasize the importance of mental health and emotional well-being. I believe these aspects are vital for investment purposes and establishing accessible programs focusing on prevention and social awareness rather than solely on treatment.
EF: Mental health is a significant therapeutic area that greatly affects productivity. As a company with 50 years of experience in defining mental health in Mexico and actively contributing to its development, what will the future of the Mexican mental health ecosystem look like, and what role will Psicofarma play?
AO: In the post-COVID world, global awareness of mental health has significantly increased. Many individuals have experienced anxiety and depression, highlighting a broader realization that personal well-being is often overlooked. Achieving inner peace is essential for personal growth, making mental health a critical societal concern.
Although promising initiatives exist, there is still a pressing need for comprehensive policies, particularly in prevention. Early education is vital, especially for young children, to help them recognize depression and anxiety, understand their symptoms, and learn how these conditions develop. Complementing this with the promotion of physical activity and healthier lifestyles can enhance awareness and strengthen early prevention efforts, fostering a more resilient society.
Statistics reveal alarmingly high rates of youth fatalities due to accidents and suicide, not only in Mexico but worldwide. Establishing comprehensive support programs in schools and universities is essential to providing young people with the resources they need. Beyond this initial support phase, equitable and preventive healthcare strategies must be integrated into treatment models. Shifting from a reactive to a preventive approach is crucial.
When addressing mental health conditions, the focus should be on long-term sustainability. Unlike many physical illnesses, which can often be fully treated, mental health disorders tend to be chronic. Therefore, effective strategies must be developed to help individuals navigate both their professional and personal lives.
Additionally, gender plays a significant role in shaping mental health experiences, and existing programs may carry inherent biases. For example, depression can manifest differently in an 18-year-old compared to a 20-year-old, highlighting the need for tailored interventions. To address these complexities effectively, stronger collaboration between regulators and the healthcare industry is essential.
It all begins with education in schools. Drug use and abuse in the context of mental health are global concerns. While security and law enforcement play a role in addressing these challenges, education is a fundamental pillar in prevention.
Many individuals turn to substance use as a coping mechanism for mental health struggles, often due to a lack of awareness and resources to manage these issues effectively. Implementing mental health education from an early age can provide essential support, equipping children with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate emotional challenges in healthier ways.
EF: Mexican companies that have successfully professionalized and secured investments are pivotal in achieving self-reliance. What are your strategies for attracting investments?
AO: As the world undergoes significant transformations, an important and strategic question emerges. The geopolitical landscape, climate change, and the pandemic have underscored the urgent need to strengthen global supply chains.
Mexico plays a pivotal role in this dynamic, particularly within the North American region. With its strategic position and economic potential, the country is well-positioned to attract investment and enhance its standing in the global supply chain.
- Mexico must take an active leadership role in API production. As a company, we are committed to investing in products that support local consumption while strengthening our position as a regional supplier (B2B).
One of the most pressing challenges—not only for Mexico but for many other countries—is the reliance on key raw materials. To mitigate this dependency, we must explore alternative sources, which will be a crucial next step. Developing a robust API production base within the country can enhance supply chain resilience and attract further investment. Mexico’s strategic location positions it as a vital logistics hub. This advantage can be leveraged to establish the country as a key distribution center for various products, essential materials, and APIs.
- To fully realize this potential, Mexico must strengthen its infrastructure, creating a more efficient platform for global market access and distribution. While progress has been made, further investment in upgrading key ports, airports, and road networks is essential to optimize supply chain efficiency and enhance competitiveness.
- Mexico has the potential to become a gateway for healthcare innovation. Historically, efforts have been made to position the country as a key player in adopting new technologies, and this momentum continues to grow.
- Our focus is on advancing the development of medications for mental healthcare. Increasing collaboration between universities and companies—both domestic and international—presents a unique opportunity to accelerate research and drive meaningful progress in the field. By fostering strategic partnerships, Mexico can strengthen its role as a leader in healthcare innovation.
Mexico has the potential to attract investment and emerge as a key player in facilitating nearshoring. The country has built a well-integrated automotive industry, and while our sector is highly connected, there are still numerous opportunities to capitalize on.
Additionally, significant improvements can be made to encourage direct investment in the healthcare sector, now recognized as a strategic priority. To support this growth, enhancing regulatory frameworks will be essential in driving long-term development and competitiveness.
EF: AI is democratizing access to intelligence, making it available to everyone; how can the company remain competitive and relevant in the future?
AO: In healthcare, we anticipate a growing availability of structured clinical data, which will enhance diagnostics, optimize treatments, and drive more cost-effective innovations. However, certain companies—particularly larger ones—still face challenges related to innovation taxation, which can hinder progress.
Advancements in data integration may soon reduce uncertainties in clinical trials, creating new opportunities for smaller companies to participate in groundbreaking research. While personalized medicine has existed for years, it has encountered significant obstacles. The evolution of artificial intelligence, however, has the potential to transform this landscape, unlocking unprecedented possibilities.
To fully harness AI’s potential, it is essential to establish regulations that balance creativity and innovation with a structured framework for responsible development. While this remains a debated topic, a well-defined regulatory approach is necessary to advance knowledge and ensure ethical implementation.
In healthcare, we anticipate a growing availability of structured clinical data, which will enhance diagnostics, optimize treatments, and drive more cost-effective innovations. However, certain companies—particularly larger ones—still face challenges related to innovation taxation, which can hinder progress.
Advancements in data integration may soon reduce uncertainties in clinical trials, creating new opportunities for smaller companies to participate in groundbreaking research. While personalized medicine has existed for years, it has encountered significant obstacles. The evolution of artificial intelligence, however, has the potential to transform this landscape, unlocking unprecedented possibilities.
To fully harness AI’s potential, it is essential to establish regulations that balance creativity and innovation with a structured framework for responsible development. While this remains a debated topic, a well-defined regulatory approach is necessary to advance knowledge and ensure ethical implementation.
While AI represents an exciting advancement, we must never lose sight of the human element in shaping companies and society. Without placing people at the center of our efforts, we risk creating models that are neither sustainable nor resilient for the future.
Talent management is a critical component of workforce development, and I firmly believe in fostering a strong company culture centered on mental health and well-being. As a company dedicated to mental health, our commitment to employees must be genuine and enduring. This is not a one-time objective but an ongoing mission—one that will remain a priority in the years to come as we continue advocating for employee well-being.
Addressing mental health is undoubtedly a challenge, yet it is essential for productivity and long-term success. To support this, we must implement programs that improve access to treatment and support, promote early detection, and encourage work-life balance policies. By doing so, we can build a healthier, more engaged workforce while reinforcing the importance of mental well-being in corporate and societal progress.
EF: You are building a legacy that will shape the future of healthcare in Mexico. AI is redefining the use of time, making it more productive, so what was once planned for ten years from now can now be accomplished in five. What decisions are you making this year that will impact the next five years?
AO: While AI represents an exciting advancement, we must never lose sight of the human element in shaping companies and society. Without placing people at the center of our efforts, we risk creating models that are neither sustainable nor resilient for the future.
Talent management is a critical component of workforce development, and I firmly believe in fostering a strong company culture centered on mental health and well-being. As a company dedicated to mental health, our commitment to employees must be genuine and enduring. This is not a one-time objective but an ongoing mission—one that will remain a priority in the years to come as we continue advocating for employee well-being.
Addressing mental health is undoubtedly a challenge, yet it is essential for productivity and long-term success. To support this, we must implement programs that improve access to treatment and support, promote early detection, and encourage work-life balance policies. By doing so, we can build a healthier, more engaged workforce while reinforcing the importance of mental well-being in corporate and societal progress.
We have been present in the U.S. market for several years and operate a facility dedicated to product development. With a strong understanding of the country's regulatory and commercial landscapes, we are leveraging this foundation to establish an export platform targeting markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
At the same time, the Mexican market offers significant growth opportunities. By optimizing our processes and maximizing existing resources, we can further enhance productivity and strengthen our competitive edge. However, failing to improve these processes could put our market position at risk. Therefore, continuous refinement and innovation remain key to sustaining long-term success.
Our tactical, strategic, and long-term management prioritizes a more agile approach to strategic planning. In the post-COVID world, global geopolitical shifts can significantly impact our industry, sector, and country. Therefore, we believe that a strategic planning framework centered on major innovations is essential. This approach allows us to envision and implement agile strategies that adapt to an evolving landscape while maintaining our long-term objectives.
Sustainable innovation is at the core of our operations, as every aspect of our processes, products, and services involves continuous improvement. We actively collaborate with universities and have made significant progress in exporting to the U.S., a market that also prioritizes innovation.
For us, innovation means more than technological advancements—it encompasses data-driven decision-making, investment in human capital, and the formation of strategic partnerships. These pillars are fundamental to Psicofarma’s future. When evaluating diversification or expansion into new markets, we prioritize collaboration with trusted partners to ensure sustainable growth and impact.
We recognize that growth is not solely driven by mergers or acquisitions—strategic alliances can be highly beneficial, fostering mutual success for all parties involved.
At the same time, we remain committed to upholding our integrity and strengthening our customer programs, as supporting patients is at the core of our mission. With a strong focus on mental healthcare, we understand the critical importance of human-centered thinking.
Every aspect of our distribution, production, and portfolio development is designed to prioritize patient well-being. By integrating innovation with compassionate care, we ensure that our efforts translate into meaningful, long-term benefits for the individuals we serve.
