“Healthcare starts with heart.” For Simone Maisto, this is not merely a concept—it’s the motivation behind all his choices. Throughout the years, he has observed how challenging it can be for patients to access the necessary treatments, particularly for uncommon and serious conditions. As the CEO of Unipharma SA, Simone has dedicated himself to transforming that situation. His leadership focuses on overcoming medicine shortages and utilizing technology for more intelligent solutions, prioritizing people and breaking down barriers. Simone’s journey demonstrates that with compassion and resolve, healthcare can become more than just a system—it can serve as a vital lifeline.
Let’s delve into the interview details below!
Can you share your journey in the healthcare industry and what led you to become the CEO of Unipharma SA?
My journey in healthcare began 13 years ago, driven by a passion for improving patient outcomes and ensuring access to life-saving treatments. Over the years, I have held diverse leadership roles, gaining valuable insights into the complexities of global healthcare systems and the challenges faced by patients, providers, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Becoming CEO of Unipharma SA was a natural progression. Unipharma’s mission to provide access to unlicensed medicines, particularly in orphan drugs, oncology, and rare diseases, aligns deeply with my personal and professional values. Leading this company gives me the chance to make a tangible global impact while working with a passionate and dedicated team.
In my role, I focus on driving innovation, fostering partnerships with healthcare providers and regulatory authorities, and ensuring ethical and socially responsible operations. At the core of our vision is the belief that all patients, regardless of geography, should have access to the treatments they need. This responsibility is both a challenge and a privilege I am proud to embrace.
What are the core values that drive Unipharma SA, and how do they influence your leadership style?
Upon joining Unipharma, I realized the importance of understanding what motivates our team and the values that define our work. Together, we identified the principles that guide us every day. These are reflected in our motto, “You, Our Priority,” which encapsulates our mission and commitment to placing patients at the center of everything we do.
Unipharma’s core values are trust, responsibility, excellence, innovation, courage, and passion. We strive to act with integrity, maintain transparency, and make ethical decisions. Daily, we aim for excellence by achieving our goals with urgency and the highest standards of safety and quality. Innovation is a pillar of our approach, enabling us to develop solutions that adapt to an ever-changing industry.
These values influence my leadership style profoundly. I lead by example, prioritize open communication, and empower my team to make decisions and take ownership of their roles. I foster collaboration, encourage continuous improvement, and emphasize a culture of respect and mutual support. By embodying these values, I hope to inspire my team to create meaningful change globally.
In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges currently facing the healthcare industry in Switzerland?
Switzerland faces several pressing challenges that are shared globally due to ultra-globalization.
First is the rising cost of healthcare, driven by the increasing price of innovative treatments, technologies, and medications. This puts strain on public and private budgets, raising concerns about affordability for individuals and families.
Medicine shortages are another significant issue. These arise from supply chain vulnerabilities, regulatory hurdles, and market dynamics, affecting patients and providers. This challenge is particularly relevant to Unipharma’s mission.
Additionally, Switzerland experiences a shortage of skilled healthcare workers, which impacts service quality. In our border region near Italy, for instance, we rely heavily on cross-border workers to fill gaps in personnel.
The slow progress in digitalization is another concern. Embracing technology is essential to improve efficiency and patient care.
Finally, the current focus on acute care rather than preventive measures increases costs and underutilizes opportunities to manage chronic conditions effectively. Promoting healthy lifestyles and early disease detection could significantly alleviate these issues.
How is Unipharma SA addressing these challenges, and what innovative strategies are you implementing?
Unipharma plays a critical role in addressing medicine shortages. By leveraging a global network, navigating complex regulations, and providing tailored support, we ensure timely access to treatments. Key strategies include:
- Utilizing international markets to procure medicines efficiently.
- Implementing real-time tracking and monitoring technologies to optimize supply chains.
- Supporting healthcare systems with flexible solutions to address urgent needs.
Innovation is central to our approach.
For example, we adopt AI for demand forecasting, blockchain for authenticity and transparency, and e-commerce platforms to streamline access to unlicensed medicines.
These efforts enable us to remain a trusted partner for healthcare providers worldwide.
What role do you see technology playing in the future of healthcare, particularly in relation to your company’s operations?
Technology is transforming healthcare and plays a pivotal role in Unipharma’s operations. We lead in digital transformation within our sector, with a dedicated team focused on innovation. Technology enables transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness, allowing us to uphold our core mission of patient-centered care.
Key initiatives include:
- Automation and AI for predictive demand and optimized stock management.
- Blockchain for secure and transparent pharmaceutical tracking.
- Digital platforms to provide fast, reliable access to essential medicines.
- Integration of telemedicine to support providers in remote areas.
By embracing these advancements, Unipharma can proactively address challenges and help shape the future of healthcare.
As a leader, what advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to make an impact in the healthcare sector?
To succeed and make a difference, young professionals should focus on:
- Cultivating a patient-centered mindset, as improving lives is the essence of healthcare.
- Embracing lifelong learning to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.
- Developing a global perspective and understanding different healthcare systems.
- Building expertise in technologies like AI and telemedicine.
- Collaborating and networking to drive better solutions.
- Upholding ethical standards and prioritizing integrity.
- Seeking opportunities in underserved areas to make tangible impacts.
- Maintaining resilience and purpose in the face of challenges.
- Innovating with forward-thinking solutions.
- Balancing healthcare expertise with business acumen.
Above all, kindness and integrity are essential to building trust and lasting relationships.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for Unipharma SA over the next five years, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Our main priorities are to maintain excellence in service and foster direct relationships with innovators, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare providers. By minimizing intermediaries, we aim to avoid unnecessary price increases and delays. Additional goals include:
- Expanding globally by entering new markets and strengthening existing ones.
- Enhancing digital capabilities for efficient operations and timely deliveries.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance to maintain high safety and quality standards.
By focusing on these objectives, Unipharma is well-positioned to meet future challenges and uphold its mission of improving global healthcare access.
