Nurturing PQE Group from a small startup in Tuscany with five senior consultants into the 45-global-office, 2,000-employee conglomerate it is today has required constant evolution and change. The past quarter century has brought profound changes to our world and Life Sciences, reshaping social behaviors, government regulations, and the integration of technology into our daily lives. Regardless of how time has transformed life and industries as we know it, one thing has always remained the same in our PQE Group organization – our dedication to enhancing the lives of the diverse populations that comprise our communities.
Health equity refers to the principle that every person deserves a fair chance to be as healthy as possible. Just as we have the freedom to pursue our livelihoods and relationships, we must also have the opportunity to elevate our health to ensure that we truly can live our best lives to the highest standards. Unfortunately, achieving this is challenging, even more so when leaders and institutions choose to disregard people in need rather than lend a helping hand. Achieving health equity requires addressing past and present injustices, removing economic, social, and other barriers to health and healthcare, and eliminating preventable health disparities.
All individuals deserve to have access to the resources and care needed to achieve optimal well-being, but this objective can only be accomplished with collective efforts and commitment. When leaders keep health equity in mind when implementing strategies and advocating for policy, a ripple effect is catalyzed through wider sectors and communities. Consequently, this allows them to become better positioned to develop more equitable products and services that lead to improved health outcomes and tangible business benefits.
There may not be a one-size-fits-all solution to achieving health equity, whether for our local communities or global populations. However, there are definitely innovative steps that people in healthcare and leadership positions can consider and implement to assist vulnerable groups in receiving the access to services and treatment that they need. Some of these strategies include:
- Investing in education and outreach programs to increase health literacy and awareness in underserved populations.
- Providing financial assistance or subsidies for low-income individuals to afford necessary medical care.
- Expanding access to nutritious food and safe housing to improve overall health conditions.
- Training healthcare professionals to recognize and combat biases in treatment.
- Encouraging community-based health initiatives that cater to the unique needs of diverse populations.
If not for the ethical reasoning of helping others to better our societies for both current and future generations, business leaders who incorporate equity into their enterprise through a companywide approach will also reap financial benefits compared to competitors who don’t. Failing to address health equity can lead to negative brand perception, loss of consumer trust, poor product positioning and adoption, and possible noncompliance with future regulations. Health inequities also generate inefficient resource allocation, which could eclipse $1 trillion in annual spending by 2040 if left unaddressed. Ultimately, companies that fail to address the drivers of health disparities face lower economic returns, which pales in comparison to the ethical concerns that arise when Life Sciences leaders are no longer in the business of genuinely supporting life.
Because our team at PQE Group represents all of the best qualities of the Life Sciences industry, I have incredible faith that our best leaders and workers will continue to be international advocates for health equity. In collaboration with our governments and the innovative ideas that we bring to the table as industry participants and global citizens, we will cultivate a future where every person can achieve their greatest health potential.