Asodco raises concerns over Senasa oncology medication protocols

The Dominican Association of Oncology Centers (Asodco) has raised concerns regarding the practices of the National Health Insurance (Senasa), warning of potential risks to patient safety. Asodco representatives, including President José Ramírez and Vice President Claudia Santos, criticized changes in medical prescriptions, the substitution of providers, and the mechanisms used to deliver specialized oncology medications. They specifically questioned the direct delivery of high-cost drugs from distributors to patients, citing a lack of verifiable supervision, traceability, and proper storage conditions.

Asodco has called upon the Superintendency of Health and Labor Risks (Sisalril) and the Ministry of Public Health to investigate these actions. The association emphasized that administrative decisions must not compromise the physician's clinical criteria or the continuity of care.

In response, Senasa defended its clinical and acquisition protocols, stating that oncology treatment requests are evaluated by specialized medical teams using international clinical guidelines. The insurer clarified that it only purchases medications from providers authorized by the General Directorate of Medicines, Food, and Sanitary Products (Digemaps) and that authorized drugs must have endorsements from international agencies such as the FDA or EMA. Senasa expressed its commitment to dialogue with the oncology sector to ensure the quality and continuity of treatments.