Background on Eduardo Clark and his Role
Eduardo Clark serves as the Subsecretary of Integration and Development in the Health Sector. His role involves overseeing the coordination and development of healthcare initiatives within Mexico. As a key figure in the government’s health sector, his statements carry significant weight regarding ongoing issues.
Current Status of Medicament Supply
Eduardo Clark has reported that the supply of medicaments is gradually improving. This improvement stems from previously non-compliant pharmaceutical companies now adhering to their obligations of delivering medical products to public health institutions. Consequently, no sanctions have been imposed on these companies yet.
Progress in Medicament Delivery
- The IMSS-Bienestar has experienced a significant increase in medicament availability.
- Initially, there were 10 to 15 companies facing issues with oncology medicament deliveries; now, only 3 to 4 remain problematic.
- Despite some ongoing non-compliance, most companies have shown substantial improvements in their deliveries, responding positively to President Claudia Sheinbaum’s call.
Identified Non-Compliant Companies and Next Steps
On September 23, during a federal official’s morning press conference, a list of 34 pharmaceutical companies was revealed for failing to deliver medicaments corresponding to the 2025-2026 consolidated purchase. These companies were given until September 30 to rectify their non-compliance.
Should they fail to meet this deadline, sanctions—including potential criminal penalties and disqualification from future government procurement processes—may be imposed.
Clark’s Perspective on Non-Compliance
Clark emphasized that non-compliance is not widespread, as only 34 out of over 400 supplier companies have experienced delays. He highlighted that these companies were aware of administrative delays four months prior but still opted to participate in the procurement process.
Government’s Ongoing Debts and Future Procurement
Regarding the government’s outstanding debts to pharmaceutical companies—estimated at at least 20 billion pesos by the industry—Clark mentioned that progress has been made, and the government is open to reconciliation efforts.
Future Procurement Considerations
Clark also previewed that the upcoming 2027-2028 consolidated purchase tender will factor in each supplier’s current compliance level. Companies with past non-compliance may face point deductions, potentially facing penalties during the new tender process.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of medicament supply in Mexico?
The supply is improving, with previously non-compliant pharmaceutical companies now adhering to their delivery obligations.
- How many companies are currently non-compliant?
Only 34 out of over 400 supplier companies have experienced delays.
- What actions will be taken against non-compliant companies?
Companies failing to meet the September 30 deadline may face sanctions, including criminal penalties and disqualification from future government procurement processes.
- How will future procurement processes be affected by past non-compliance?
In the upcoming 2027-2028 consolidated purchase tender, each supplier’s compliance level will be considered. Companies with past non-compliance may face point deductions, potentially facing penalties during the new tender process.
