Mexico Health Ministry Refutes Claim of 824 Medicine Cut in Public Sector

Deputy Éctor Jaime Ramírez Barba of the Partido Acción Nacional (PAN) alleged that the IMSS‑Bienestar program is cancelling the purchase of 824 medication codes for the 2027‑2028 consolidated procurement, citing alleged lack of demand and budget. He warned that the cancellations could interrupt treatment for thousands of patients and that hospitals would be unable to prescribe the affected drugs.

Health Subsecretary Eduardo Clark denied any reduction in the drug catalogue, stating that no medicines have been removed from the National Compendium of Health Supplies. He reported that 3,897 medication codes will be purchased for 2027‑2028, a 12% increase over the previous cycle, and highlighted high supply rates: 98.1% of prescribed items delivered to IMSS pharmacies, 95‑97% average availability in ISSSTE pharmacies, and a 152% increase in oncology drug supply. Clark said the controversy stems from a misinterpretation of the new Essential Medicines List.