Background on Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the current Head of Government (equivalent to Mayor) of Mexico City, serving since 2018. As a prominent politician affiliated with the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) party, she has been instrumental in shaping policies and addressing challenges within Mexico’s capital city. Her role places her at the forefront of managing public health issues, including the distribution and availability of essential medications.
Addressing Pharmaceutical Debts
Claudia Sheinbaum affirmed on Thursday that her administration is actively working to settle outstanding debts with pharmaceutical companies, including those inherited from the previous government. She emphasized that her administration is committed to honoring these financial obligations starting from 2024.
Dialogue and Payment Mechanisms
Sheinbaum explained that her administration is conducting reviews and engaging in dialogues with the pharmaceutical companies to establish payment mechanisms, particularly for debts dating back to 2024.
Claudia Sheinbaum, Head of Government of Mexico City, assures payment of pharmaceutical debts and urges companies to meet medicine delivery commitments. https://twitter.com/hashtag/MexicoCity?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
— Global Health News (@GlobalHealthNws) March 12, 2023
Importation and Regulation of Medicines
Sheinbaum clarified that, regarding tenders, winning companies are obligated to deliver medications within the stipulated timeframes, regardless of any previous debts.
Moreover, she highlighted that the majority of medications consumed in Mexico are imported, primarily from India and China. Their importation depends on permits from the Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks (Cofepris), which ensure adherence to health regulations.
“Nearly 80% of medication production originates from India. To import these, companies need a Cofepris permit ensuring compliance with regulations,” she pointed out.
Delivery Compliance Amidst Debts
Regarding complaints from the sector alleging a debt of around 14 million pesos, Sheinbaum downplayed the claim and reiterated that payments will be made according to schedule. However, she emphasized that pharmaceutical companies must respect their delivery commitments.
“When a company wins a tender, they agree to deliver medications irrespective of any past debts. When a tender is won, the agreed-upon timelines with the Mexican government must be met,” she stressed.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What debts is Claudia Sheinbaum addressing? A: Sheinbaum is focusing on settling outstanding debts with pharmaceutical companies, including those inherited from the previous government.
- Q: How will payments be managed? A: The administration is conducting reviews and engaging in dialogues with pharmaceutical companies to establish payment mechanisms, particularly for debts dating back to 2024.
- Q: What is the source of most medications in Mexico? A: The majority of medications consumed in Mexico are imported, primarily from India and China.
- Q: How are imported medications regulated? A: Importation of these medications depends on permits from Cofepris, which ensure adherence to health regulations.
- Q: What are the delivery obligations for winning tender companies? A: Winning companies are obligated to deliver medications within the stipulated timeframes, regardless of any previous debts.
- Q: How is Claudia Sheinbaum addressing sector complaints about debts? A: Sheinbaum has downplayed the claim of a significant debt and reiterated that payments will be made according to schedule, while emphasizing the importance of delivery commitments.
