Title: Access to healthcare in Latin America
Format: Thought leadership article
Client: Roche

Description: Written on behalf of Roche’s Latin America CEO, this thought leadership piece explores the urgent and complex challenge of healthcare access across the region. Drawing from insights shared at Eyeforpharma Latin America, the article highlights the gap between rapid scientific innovation and patients’ ability to access timely diagnosis and treatment. It examines key barriers—including late diagnosis, uneven adoption of innovation, infrastructure gaps, and high out-of-pocket costs—while outlining Roche’s perspective on how collaboration, tailored solutions, and sustainable funding models can help expand equitable access to care.

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Last week, I had the opportunity to speak at the 11th edition of Eyeforpharma Latin America. The event, one the largest annual gatherings of pharmaceutical executives in the region, offered a platform for guests to critically discuss the obstacles and opportunities we must consider in designing and implementinghealthcare models that promote an expansion in access to services and innovation in our region.

Access to healthcare is an important issue that must be promptly addressed. That’s why I chose to attend this event to share Roche’s vision on how we may meet regional healthcare accessibility goals through sustainable and equitable initiatives. We hope that our participation inspires others to join the conversation.

Innovations are happening, fast.

Throughout the past decades, we’ve witnessed many scientific advancements that have enhanced our ability to manage a variety of communicable diseases, and other widespread conditions such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. The evolution of these technologies has allowed patients to live healthier and longer lives.

But advancements are only meaningful if they can they reach the people who need them, when and where they need them.

Every year, millions of people die too soon from conditions like cancer – 80% of them live in developing countries. The care patients receive is critical for their survival, and in many countries, there is little or no access to the treatment they need. Our aim is to make the benefits of our products available to everyone who needs them.

Statistics confirm that there is real sense of urgency – healthcare accessibility is undeniably one of the biggest challenges we face today. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 400 million people worldwide lack access to essential health services due to lapses in awareness, facilities, and funding. In Latin America, some our biggest obstacles include:

Late diagnosis: Latin America’s high rate of late diagnoses is linked to increased mortality. For example, In Colombia, 40%-50% of breast cancer patients are diagnosed at late stages, which hinders their chances of survival

Delays in innovation adoption: part of our mission should entail facilitating the early adoption of the latest standards of care in Latin America. In some countries, drugs are made available almost decades after being approved in developed countries.

Infrastructure and knowledge: our region needs cutting-edge technologies and capable teams to support cancer control efforts, especially in rural regions. In Peru, for example, 85% of oncology specialists are concentrated in metropolitan areas.

Out-of-pocket spending: In 2015, Mexico spent 5.8% of its GPD on healthcare, while France spent 11%. We can only close the gap of accessibility through a firm commitment to financially supporting these important initiatives.

There is no one-size-fits all solution. Healthcare is a multi-dimensional challenge that varies from country to country.

I firmly believe that we have a responsibility to promote everyone’s wellbeing, regardless of where they live. As such, we must remain actively engaged in improving healthcare accessibility in Latin America through targeting these four strategic areas:     

Increasing disease awareness and patient support: we must empower patients with the knowledge they need to make sound decisions about their care.

Delivering innovation: we must make new treatments and technologies promptly available to ensure the best possible diagnoses and treatment.

Strengthening infrastructure and capacity: we must improve the quality of infrastructure through securing partnerships between governments and local medical professionals.

Funding: we must work with stakeholders to create flexible pricing solutions to protect our patients from financial burden.

We must remember that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to serving Latin Americans. Personalised access solutions should be developed for each individual health system in the region.

Access to healthcare is a priority for Roche.

We recognize that healthcare accessibility is a multi-dimensional challenge that is best addressed holistically through nation-specific initiatives. However, I am convinced that we are on the right path by working in collaboration with international and local players to find solutions which may be tailored to fit these specific needs.

I would like to conclude by stressing that we play a part in fostering sustainable and equitable healthcare in Latin America. Join our effort – I’m positive that together we can greatly improve access to services and innovation in our region.

All for Access, Access for All.