Closing the Gap: Patient Voices and Pharma Transformation in the Middle East

How is patient engagement evolving in one of the world’s fastest-changing healthcare regions? In this episode, Ursula Mann and Christine Pisapia sit down with Mostafa Najib, a pharmaceutical leader with more than 20 years of experience across the Middle East.Together, they explore how patient expectations are shifting, how technology and policy are reshaping access to innovation, and why meaningful patient insight is still one of healthcare’s biggest challenges—globally.Why You Should ListenTo gain a global perspective on how patient voices are being integrated into healthcare decision-makingTo understand what’s changing in the Middle East—and what remains surprisingly similar worldwideTo hear real-world reflections from inside the pharmaceutical industryTo explore how patient insight can shape better strategy, access, and outcomesTo consider what the future of patient-centered healthcare could look like across systemsEpisode Highlights00:03:32 — Entering the pharmaceutical world How Mostafa found his path into pharma and why the commercial side captured his interest.00:05:03 — The rise of patient engagement in the Middle East A look at how patient expectations and behaviors have shifted over the last two decades.00:06:00 — The limits of traditional patient programs Why awareness and access initiatives still fall short of capturing what patients truly value.00:07:26 — When assumptions miss the mark How physician perceptions sometimes diverge from what patients actually want or fear.00:08:42 — Shared global patterns Christine reflects on similar trends in North America—from “Dr. Google” to increasing patient advocacy.00:09:05 — The evolving role of patient groups Why patient associations are more established in Europe and North America than in the Middle East.00:11:04 — Faster access to innovation How regulatory modernization is closing the gap between U.S. approvals and local availability.00:12:23 — Digital transformation (and no more faxing) A lighthearted look at how digital health infrastructure has rapidly advanced in the region.00:14:35 — What’s missing from patient insight The everyday realities, symptoms, and priorities that often never reach the healthcare system.00:17:09 — Shrinking visit time How shorter appointments impact patient–physician communication and understanding.00:20:20 — Designing a connected ecosystem Mostafa imagines a future where patients, providers, payers, and pharma collaborate more seamlessly.00:21:43 — When patient feedback redirects strategy A real-world example of how one insight changed the course of a major investment.00:25:30 — Surfing, seasons, and perspective A glimpse into Mostafa’s life outside of work—and the waves he’s chasing next.Want to Share Your Voice?If you’re a patient or caregiver, you can join Patient Voice Connect to share your experiences and help shape healthcare here.Join our email list to get new episode updates here.Together, we can bring more voices to the table and shape the future of healthcare.Share this episode, leave a review, and follow Patient Voice Partners on LinkedIn to help amplify more voices.