Paraguay settles USD 320 million debt with pharmaceutical suppliers

The Paraguayan government has issued a resolution to settle USD 320 million in debt owed to pharmaceutical suppliers. This measure, coordinated between the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, allows approximately 40 companies to manage collections through local banks.

Luis Ávila, executive director of the Chamber of the Chemical Pharmaceutical Industry (Cifarma), stated that the debt is considered sovereign debt by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, which entitles it to a special interest rate. This payment addresses outstanding debts dating back to 2025 and earlier.

To address a remaining estimated debt of USD 400 million, authorities and the private sector are planning to include these amounts as bonds within the 2027 General National Budget. This strategy aims to utilize budget adjustments expected in early 2027 to clear the remaining balance.