Ecuador delays Indian drug purchase amid health crisis

Ecuador's health minister acknowledged that the government‑to‑government purchase of medicines from India remains pending, with no firm delivery date announced. The delay follows President Daniel Noboa's May‑24 promise of a large‑scale import to alleviate critical shortages in public hospitals, especially for oncology and dialysis treatments.

Two months later, hospitals continue to report severe drug shortages, and doctors and patient groups say the promised relief has not materialised. The minister also cited corruption networks within public hospitals and announced a purge of hospital managers, while a new public procurement agency is being set up to improve transparency.

The situation has intensified public criticism, with medical associations urging the executive to prioritise recovery of the national health system and to address alleged administrative mafias that hinder drug acquisition.