IBA 2025: Trends in Healthcare Financing and Reimbursement — Ecuador
- Karina Loza
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
In an environment where the sustainability of healthcare systems faces budgetary, regulatory, and technological challenges, the 3rd IBA Global Healthcare Financing & Reimbursement Survey – 2025 consolidates itself as a reference point for understanding the legal dynamics of the Life Sciences sector.
With contributions from more than 60 jurisdictions — including Ecuador — and authored by our partner Karina Loza Santillán and attorney Melissa García, the Ecuador chapter analyzes financing models, reimbursement practices, and trends such as digitalization and telemedicine.
What does the study bring for Ecuador?
Governance and tariffs in the public system. The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) leads regulation and control of financing and reimbursement, together with IESS, ISSFA, and ISSPOL. The National Health System Tariff regulates the economic recognition of services in the public sector and the Complementary Private Network (RPC).
Private insurance and coverage. Prepaid medicine companies and insurers are regulated by the Superintendence of Companies; plans must guarantee effective access to outpatient, hospital, and emergency services.
Telemedicine. Regulated since 2020 and included in the Digital Transformation Policy, with no special coverage conditions compared to in-person consultations.
Medicines and devices. Medicine prices are subject to the National Council for Price Fixing and Review (Executive Decree 400: price ceilings by segment); there is no price control for medical devices.
Public procurement and reimbursement. For strategic goods, reverse auctions and other mechanisms are used; the RPC is activated when the public network cannot meet demand and the MSP assumes the costs.
2025 Trends. Post-pandemic impact (~USD 897 million in additional costs; 67% MSP and 31% IESS; USD 363 million for the vaccination plan) and the January 2025 update of the National Digital Health Policy to strengthen interoperability and data protection. Reforms to the system and IESS are being discussed for sustainability and coverage.
Why is this relevant for the industry?
Market access strategy. Pricing decisions, ceilings, and cost-effectiveness evaluations directly impact the entry and permanence of therapies.
Efficient public procurement. Understanding the Tariff System, RPC, and purchasing mechanisms accelerates supply timelines and reduces regulatory risks.
Digital health and data. The updated policy requires governance for interoperability, security, and privacy in telemedicine and healthtech projects.
Our contribution
The Ecuador chapter was researched and drafted by Karina Loza Santillán (Partner) and Melissa García (Attorney) from the Meythaler & Zambrano Life Sciences team. We support pharmaceutical, biotech, distribution, insurance, and healthcare providers in:
Pricing and reimbursement: strategy, dossier preparation, and engagement with authorities.
Public healthcare procurement: participation in bidding processes, compliance, and contract execution.
Strategic litigation and compliance: defense in reimbursement/coverage disputes and healthcare compliance programs.
Digital health: regulatory design for telemedicine, interoperability, and data protection.
Our team translates complex regulatory frameworks into measurable action plans to accelerate market access and mitigate risks. Book a meeting for an initial assessment and receive tailored recommendations for your case.
