Cifabol alerts over exclusion from Bolivia's 2026-2030 Health Plan

The Bolivian Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (Cifabol) has declared a state of alert following its exclusion from the technical discussions regarding the Ministry of Health and Sports’ General Health Plan 2026–2030. Cifabol expressed concern that the local pharmaceutical sector has been marginalized from the planning process despite being a primary provider for the Single Health System (SUS).

The proposed health plan includes regulatory shifts such as consolidating strategic acquisitions through a single buyer (CEASS), expanding direct purchase mechanisms, and facilitating direct imports from international markets. Cifabol warns that without specific safeguards to prioritize national production, these policies could increase Bolivia’s dependence on foreign medicines and strategic supplies, undermining the goal of health sovereignty.

The industry also highlighted existing challenges since 2023, including difficulties accessing foreign currency, regulatory hurdles, and social conflicts, all of which have increased production costs and impacted competitiveness. Cifabol has formally requested an urgent meeting with the Ministry of Health to halt the finalization of the document until the national industry can be heard.