EsSalud medicine shortages threaten oncology patient care in Peru

Medicine shortages in EsSalud hospitals in Lima and various provinces are threatening the care of oncology patients. According to the organization Semáforo Oncológico, delays in procurement and distribution issues are jeopardizing the supply of essential treatments. In some instances, families have had to personally cover the costs of necessary medications to ensure continuity of care.

Logistical challenges, potentially exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, may further complicate the timely delivery of products to health facilities. The organization warned that current procurement processes have not been completed promptly enough to guarantee availability. There are also concerns regarding future demand projections for 2027, which may prove insufficient if consumption estimates are not updated to reflect the actual needs of health establishments.