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Laura Velásquez interviews Rolf Hoenger on how digital transformation in healthcare can improve access and efficiency in global health systems.
In this episode of AI Heroes, Laura Velásquez, co-founder of Arkangel AI, interviews Rolf Hoenger, an expert with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare sector. Throughout the discussion, Hoenger shares his insights on how digital transformation in healthcare is crucial for improving access and efficiency in health systems worldwide.
For Rolf Hoenger, digital transformation in healthcare is not an option—it is a necessity. "The more we reflect on the challenges facing health systems, the clearer it becomes that we are confronting a paradigm shift," he explains. In many countries, healthcare systems are not designed to meet the growing demands posed by chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions.
According to Hoenger, "80% of healthcare budgets are allocated to salaries and infrastructure, while only 20% is directed toward innovation, such as diagnostics and treatments." This imbalance limits the ability of systems to adapt to modern challenges.
During the interview, Hoenger highlighted examples of how technology is already making a difference. One of the most successful cases occurred in Peru, where the Movement Health Foundation implemented a pilot project in Cusco. "We divided the region into two areas: one used technology for resource planning, while the other did not. The results were striking—the region with technology achieved higher rates of childhood vaccinations and prenatal care," he noted.
Hoenger also emphasized that tools like telemedicine and digitized medical information systems are key to reducing costs and improving access to services in rural areas. "By connecting doctors in capital cities with nurses in rural areas, we can address more cases without requiring patients to travel," he explained.
Despite clear benefits, barriers continue to slow the implementation of digital transformation in healthcare. According to Hoenger, resistance to change and the lack of interoperability between hospital systems are two of the biggest obstacles. "In many countries, each hospital has its own system, and they don't communicate with one another," he pointed out. This not only creates inefficiencies but also impacts the quality of patient care.
Another issue is the traditional mindset in resource allocation. "Most health ministers are doctors, not economists. As a result, they prioritize specific diseases rather than sustainable systems capable of handling long-term demands," he added.
Hoenger shared an inspiring example of a fully digitized system he observed in Chinese hospitals. "In China, patients receive a QR code that allows them to manage their appointments, treatments, and diagnostics quickly and efficiently. This approach not only saves time but also reduces human errors," he explained.
In contrast, Hoenger described a hospital in Mexico where he saw rooms filled with paper records. "It is frustrating to see how the lack of digitization affects the ability to respond to emergencies and manage key medical information," he said.
During the conversation, Laura Velásquez asked Hoenger what is needed to accelerate the adoption of these technologies. For him, the change starts with education and strategic investment. "We must view healthcare as an investment, not an expense," he emphasized. Additionally, he suggested fostering public-private partnerships to fund digitization and innovation projects.
Hoenger also spoke about the importance of global standards to ensure that hospital systems can communicate with one another. "Interoperability is essential to maximizing the potential of technology in healthcare," he affirmed.
In this interview, Rolf Hoenger made it clear that digital transformation in healthcare is a powerful tool for addressing the challenges of modern health systems. However, he also stressed that its success depends on a shift in mindset and adequate investment in innovation.
As Hoenger concluded, "Technology has the power to transform lives, but we need to act now to harness its full potential. Digital transformation in healthcare is not the future—it is the present."
"Using technology to create more efficient systems is a necessity, not an option," Rolf Hoenger, Region Head for Latin America at Roche, told us during our latest AI Heroes episode, and we couldn't agree more. In Latin America, most healthcare systems allocate 80% of their budgets to salaries and infrastructure, leaving just 20% for innovation. This imbalance creates inefficiencies that impact not only institutions but also the individuals who need timely and quality care.
One of the most inspiring examples he shared was a pilot project in Cusco, Peru. By using technology to plan resources in one region, they were able to increase childhood vaccinations, improve prenatal care, and expand access to medical attention. This not only changed indicators but also had a tangible impact on people's lives. To us, that is what technology should do—facilitate access, reduce barriers, and improve outcomes.
These stories reinforce our belief that digitalization and artificial intelligence are not magic solutions but powerful tools when implemented with purpose and vision. They also remind us that change does not happen without leadership and collaboration.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. How do you see the role of technology in transforming healthcare systems in your contexts? What challenges and opportunities do you identify? Share your perspectives with us!
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