Authorities coordinate joint drug purchase amid critical drug shortage. Through an exceptional procurement process, the National Government seeks to secure molecules for the treatment of chronic diseases and hard-to-obtain medications. This measure aims to resolve the critical drug shortage through a coordinated national acquisition process, ensuring that patients have access to essential treatments. Scope of the list and acquisition processes. The national director of Drugs and Supplies of the Minsa, Eric Conte, reported that technical tables have worked on the unification of inventories to carry out joint purchases. This regulation empowers the Executive Branch to declare a state of shortage and adopt urgent measures to prevent the scarcity of medical supplies in the public sector. Technical structure of the commission. The Commission for the Evaluation of the Critical Shortage of Medicines, formally installed on October 15, 2025, under Executive Decree 20, is made up of representatives of various entities and guilds, including: Ministry of Health and Social Security. Ombudsman. College of Physicians of Panama and National College of Pharmacists. National Federation of Associations of Patients with Critical, Chronic, and Degenerative Diseases. Through multiple work sessions with hospitals and patronages, commission members have identified the priority items that require a unified purchasing management to optimize state resources and guarantee the population's right to health. Commission validates list of 300 molecules to face the critical shortage of medicines. Once approved, the list will be published in the Official Gazette to begin the acquisition acts on the Panama Buys platform. Legal framework and composition of the commission. The intervention strategy is based on article 261 of Law 419 of February 2, 2024. The final review of the document is expected to conclude next week for its subsequent presentation to the Minister of Health, Fernando Boyd Galindo, and the President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino.
