Honduras and Guatemala confront critical medication shortages

In Honduras, a severe shortage of the opioid fentanyl has been reported, with physician‑deputy Carlos Umaña blaming both the previous administration of Nasry Asfura and the current government of Xiomara Castro for legal obstacles that have deterred laboratories from importing the drug. The shortage affects patients who require mechanical ventilation and surgical procedures, as fentanyl is a regulated, high‑potency analgesic used in intensive care.

In Guatemala, the National Congress, led by Vice‑President of the Congress Johana Bermúdez, is working to secure the supply of medicines for rare and catastrophic diseases. Officials say the public hospital network now has over 85 % of essential drugs available, and they are identifying reliable providers for treatments such as porphyria and multiple‑organ cirrhosis. The Congress also approved the modernization of the Hospital Escuela’s operating rooms, adding ten new fully equipped surgical suites before year‑end.