Argentine pharmacies face crisis due to sales drops and payment delays

Pharmacies across Argentina are facing a severe operational crisis driven by declining sales, illegal medication sales, and significant payment delays from social security providers. In Tucumán, the Vice President of the College of Pharmacists (COFATUC), Zunilda Arrebola, reported annual sales decreases between 13% and 20%. She highlighted that illegal sales through online marketplaces, kiosks, and fairs pose a risk to public health by bypassing professional pharmaceutical oversight.

In the Buenos Aires province, Leonardo Fernández, president of the Lomas de Zamora College of Pharmacists, reported even steeper sales declines of approximately 30%. A critical issue is the payment gap involving PAMI, the national health insurance for retirees; while pharmacies must pay drug distributors within 15 days, PAMI payments can be delayed by up to 90 days. This disruption in the payment chain prevents pharmacies from replenishing stock.

Furthermore, the economic situation is preventing many retirees from accessing essential treatments. It is estimated that 1 in 4 PAMI prescriptions are not dispensed because patients cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs. Fernández also criticized the deregulation of the sector under Decree 70/23, calling for a more health-focused approach to the industry.