Background on Birmex and Relevant Figures
Birmex, or Bienestar Mexicano, is a state-owned pharmaceutical company responsible for procuring medical supplies and medications in Mexico. The company has been under scrutiny following allegations of irregularities in public tenders for the acquisition of medicines and medical equipment.
Key figures involved in these investigations include:
- Eduardo Clark: Subsecretary of Integration and Development of the Health Sector, who has been leading investigations into irregularities in Birmex’s public tenders.
- Claudia Sheinbaum: President of Mexico City, who announced the dismissal of several Birmex officials following investigations into irregularities.
Sanctions Imposed on Ansof Comercializadores
Secretaría Anticorrupción y Buen Gobierno, the Mexican anti-corruption office, sanctioned Ansof Comercializadores, S.A. de C.V for falsifying information during a public tender related to the “Consolidated Acquisition of Clothing, Uniforms, Footwear, and Protective Equipment for Fiscal Year 2024.”
According to the press release, Ansof Comercializadores presented false reports from two accredited laboratories to meet technical requirements of the tender. The falsified information included alleged reports from these laboratories.
The sanction imposed on Ansof Comercializadores consists of an economic fine and a 15-month ineligibility period for participating in future public tenders.
Investigation into Birmex’s Public Tenders
In March, Eduardo Clark announced an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in medication procurement after discovering that 175 contracts were awarded to suppliers charging higher prices compared to the best market offers, totaling 13,000 million pesos.
A month later, Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, reported the dismissal of several Birmex officials due to irregularities found in medication tenders.
By the end of April, Eduardo Clark announced that the tender process had been restored to award contracts at the best possible prices for 1,139 items, ensuring supply for the next 18 months.
Clark also mentioned that investigations into medication procurement for the 2025-2026 period were ongoing, as the previous tender was declared null due to irregularities such as overpricing.
At the time, negotiations were continuing for 154 medication contracts (claves) to secure supplies for the following three months.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is investigating the irregularities in Birmex’s public tenders? The investigation is being led by Eduardo Clark, Subsecretary of Integration and Development of the Health Sector.
- Who were dismissed from Birmex following the investigations? Several Birmex officials, including Director General Iván Olmos, were dismissed due to irregularities found in medication tenders.
- What sanctions were imposed on Ansof Comercializadores? The company was fined economically and ineligible to participate in public tenders for 15 months.
- What is the current status of medication procurement investigations in Birmex? Investigations are ongoing for the 2025-2026 period, while negotiations continue for the next three months to secure medication supplies.
