T

he healthcare industry has a positive impact on people and their quality of life around the world. This unique field of industry is evolving more dynamically than ever, changing our lives and the health of communities for the better, thanks in part to technological advances, so that the products and services of the healthcare industry are at the service of patient care, improving healthcare outcomes, monitoring treatment and preserving health in general. Female leaders in the healthcare organization perceive continuous training as an important step, which can bring new opportunities, knowledge and building valuable networks, aware that the healthcare field needs leaders who understand how the provision of care develops, transforms and adapts to the technological progress that “pushes” the healthcare industry , the health system but also the whole society forward.

Women who leave a visible mark with their vision in the healthcare industry, our “women for impact”, who win for the betterment of the individual and society, have the knowledge and experience they need to redesign the healthcare industry, locally and globally. Through the “WIN4IMPACT” interview series, we present to you inspiring women from the innovative pharmaceutical industry, the generic industry, the medical technology industry, and the self-care and self-medication industry.

 

Sandra Velasco

President for Adriatic countries, Novartis

 

Sandra Velasco, President for Adriatic countries, Novartis

 

 

 

What is the social, public health, and humanitarian value of the healthcare industry in which you work?

 

The healthcare industry, especially in a global pharma company like ours, holds immense social, public health, and humanitarian value. At its core, our work is about improving the quality of life for individuals and communities worldwide. By developing innovative medicines and therapies, we not only treat illnesses but also alleviate suffering, extend lifespans, and empower people to live fuller, healthier lives. Our contributions extend beyond borders, addressing pressing health challenges and promoting well-being on a global scale. Whether it’s through access to life-saving treatments, disease prevention initiatives, or humanitarian aid efforts, the healthcare industry plays a pivotal role in fostering a more equitable and compassionate world.

 

Can you cite some examples of best practice in which your immense contribution and positive impact on the health system and society is visible?

 

One of the notable examples of our positive impact is the establishment of international centers of excellence in Croatia. These centers serve as beacons of medical innovation and expertise, ensuring access to innovation and care of the highest standard to Croatian patients and those from other countries and attracting top talents . By leveraging state-of-the-art technology and collaborative partnerships, we’re not only raising the standard of healthcare within Croatia but also positioning the country as a leader in medical excellence. Through initiatives like these, we’re not only improving healthcare access and outcomes but also driving opportunities for economic growth, fostering international collaboration and offering an an environment to grow to our health care professionals, preventing the country from losing unique talent.

 

 

 

Sandra Velasco, President for Adriatic countries, Novartis

 

 

 

Is the value of the healthcare industry sufficiently recognized in society and the healthcare system today?

 

While there’s growing recognition of the importance of the healthcare industry, there’s still work to be done in fully appreciating its value. Healthcare isn’t just a cost; it’s an investment in human capital and societal well-being. By acknowledging the pivotal role that healthcare plays in driving innovation, economic growth, and social stability, we can ensure that it receives the recognition and support it deserves. Through education, advocacy, and collaborative efforts, we can elevate the profile of the healthcare industry and underscore its critical importance in shaping a healthier future for all. We position ourselves as a system partner and are open to co-creating new solutions and functioning models that will ensure both – sustainability and care in accordance with the needs of the nation, ass well as keeping up with the solutions brought by science. By recognizing specific local needs, we seek for best practice that would empower and improve health care and population health in general.

 

 

“Healthcare isn’t just a cost; it’s an investment in human capital and societal well-being. By acknowledging the pivotal role that healthcare plays in driving innovation, economic growth, and social stability, we can ensure that it receives the recognition and support it deserves.”

 

 

 

Sandra Velasco, President for Adriatic countries, Novartis

 

 

 

 

Are there any existing barriers and challenges for the healthcare industry that you would address, and whose resolution would certainly improve healthcare systems and the health of society?

 

Certainly, there are multifaceted challenges within the healthcare industry that demand our attention and action, particularly in the realms of cardiovascular and oncology diseases prevention. One of the foremost barriers we face is access to affordable healthcare, especially for those in underserved communities. It’s imperative that we advocate for policies aimed at ensuring equitable access to essential healthcare services and medications. By breaking down financial barriers, we can ensure that every individual, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to life-saving treatments and preventive care measures.

Cardiovascular and oncology diseases often pose significant burdens on individuals and healthcare systems alike. Through strategic investment in preventive measures such as screenings, lifestyle interventions, and health education campaigns, we can mitigate the incidence and severity of these diseases.

Furthermore, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships can enhance our ability to address these challenges comprehensively. By engaging with community organizations, governmental agencies, and healthcare providers, we can develop holistic approaches to disease prevention and management. This includes initiatives aimed at promoting healthy behaviors, reducing risk factors, and increasing awareness about the importance of regular screenings and check-ups.

Addressing these barriers not only improves healthcare systems but also enhances the health and well-being of society as a whole. By prioritizing preventive care and equitable access to healthcare services, we can create a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system that empowers individuals to lead healthier lives and reduces the burden of disease on communities.

 

 

 

 

 

Innovative health products, new technologies, and services appear every day. To what extent is your contribution sufficiently visible and recognized in terms of pushing the boundaries of knowledge about modern biomedical achievements?

 

Through research and development efforts, we’re constantly striving to bring breakthrough therapies and technologies to market, addressing unmet medical needs and improving patient outcomes. Whether it’s developing novel treatments for rare diseases, pioneering new diagnostic tools, or harnessing the power of artificial intelligence in healthcare, our innovations are driving progress and transforming the way we approach health and wellness. By collaborating with researchers, healthcare providers, and regulatory agencies, we’re ensuring that our contributions are recognized and that patients can benefit from the latest advancements in biomedical science. Knowing that keeping up with galloping trends is a challenge for systems and individuals, we bring the latest scientific and technological knowledge closer to healthcare professionals and support availability and visibility of medically and scientifically based knowledge about health preservation and disease treatment.

 

 

In recent years, the paradigm of providing healthcare has changed, and there is an increasing emphasis on patient-centered medicine, in which patient feedback is very important. To what extent is the healthcare industry making positive changes and influencing new ways of caring for patients, whether it’s patient support programs or improving health literacy?

 

The healthcare industry is undergoing a profound shift towards patient-centered care, where the needs and preferences of patients are paramount. We’re seeing a growing emphasis on patient engagement, empowerment, and shared decision-making, ensuring that individuals are active participants in their healthcare journey. Through patient support programs, health education initiatives, and digital health tools, we’re empowering patients to take control of their health and well-being. By incorporating patient feedback into the design and delivery of healthcare services, we’re fostering a more compassionate, responsive, and effective healthcare system that prioritizes the needs of those it serves.  We as Novartis are making significant strides in supporting the development of civil society in healthcare, through our multi-year project Patient Academy, we gather associations from the entire region to strengthen competencies in various areas of organizational management, connect with each other, share best practices and inspiration for sustainable work and development.  Knowing that patients are the center of the system, and also striving to be participants in decision-making, we believe that this is the right path in the long term and a lasting value for society as a whole.

 

 

 

“We as Novartis are making significant strides in supporting the development of civil society in healthcare, through our multi-year project Patient Academy, we gather associations from the entire region to strengthen competencies in various areas of organizational management, connect with each other, share best practices and inspiration for sustainable work and development.”  

 

 

 

 

 

Sandra Velasco, President for Adriatic countries, Novartis

 

 

 

 

How important is it to articulate the impact you have on healthcare as we witness it today, whether it is the transfer of new health-scientific knowledge, the digital re-skilling of health professionals, or the availability of diagnostics and therapies that change the health and lives of citizens for the better?

 

Articulating the impact of our work is crucial in demonstrating the value we bring to healthcare and society. Whether it’s through the transfer of new scientific knowledge, the digital upskilling of healthcare professionals, or the development of innovative diagnostics and therapies, our contributions are shaping the landscape of modern medicine and improving patient outcomes. By effectively communicating the real-world benefits of our innovations, we can inspire confidence, foster collaboration, and drive positive change in healthcare delivery and outcomes. Ultimately, our goal is to transform lives for the better and build a healthier, more resilient future for all. By articulating our impact, I believe that we contribute to a better understanding among stakeholders, as the basis of healthy and transparent cooperation. And by better understanding everyone’s role, sphere of possibilities and influence, we open the way to partnership and sustainable solutions for the system and society. As briefly as possible, we have expressed our mission and values ​​in the catchphrase Change the game – all for health, and I think it outlines what we do today globally and locally.

 

 

 

What would be a kind of “moonshot” for you when we talk about the perception of the health industry in the health ecosystem and the wider economic and social context? What is needed for all of us to “defeat” the burden of disease?

 

A “moonshot” for the health industry would be to fundamentally shift perceptions and priorities, both within the healthcare ecosystem and in the broader economic and social context. This entails not only recognizing the critical importance of health as a driver of human flourishing but also reimagining the way we approach healthcare delivery, research, and policy. To “defeat” the burden of disease, we need a holistic and collaborative approach that transcends traditional silos and addresses the root causes of health inequities. This includes investing in preventive care, promoting health literacy, empowering patient organizations, fostering innovation, advocating for policies that prioritize health and well-being as fundamental human rights. By uniting stakeholders across sectors and mobilizing resources towards a common goal, we can overcome the challenges of today and build a healthier, more equitable future for generations to come.

 

 

 

 

Sandra Velasco, President for Adriatic countries, Novartis

 

 

 

 

“Dream big and believe in yourself.

You have the power to transform the world.

Recognize and value people with whom

you share your dreams ​​and seek a path

towards a better understanding of those

who do not share your values.”

 

 

 

 

 

How does it feel to be a part and leader of the healthcare industry?

 

Being a part and leader of the healthcare industry is both a privilege and a responsibility. Every day, I’m inspired by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, to drive positive change, and to contribute to the advancement of human health and well-being. It’s a dynamic and ever-evolving field, filled with challenges and opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and make a lasting impact. That journey and mission brought me to Croatia, where I was at the same time impressed in many ways by the excellence, enterprise and motivation that exists both in healthcare and in society, and also strongly motivated to contribute to improvement where necessary. Whether it’s working on groundbreaking research, forging partnerships with stakeholders, or advocating for policies that promote health equity, being a leader in the healthcare industry is incredibly rewarding. It’s a journey filled with purpose and passion, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.

 

 

 

You are undeniably recognized as a leader of the healthcare industry who works on your knowledge and skills every day, and builds a “network” with the mission of helping the community. What would you say to all?

 

Dream big and believe in yourself. You have the power to transform the world. Recognize and value people with whom you share your dreams ​​and seek a path towards a better understanding of those who do not share your values.