Peru's EsSalud faces drug shortages amid supplier debt and procurement changes

Peru's public health insurer EsSalud, which provides coverage to more than 12 million people, is confronting prolonged drug shortages. Business groups including the Cámara de Comercio de Lima, the Sociedad Nacional de Industrias, Comex, ADIFAN and ADEX say the insurer owes suppliers close to S/400 million, and recent delegation of purchases and payments to assistential networks has removed predictability of order volumes and introduced strict penalties. These factors hinder suppliers from planning production, inventory and financing, leading to interruptions in the supply of essential medicines for chronic patients such as those with cancer, diabetes, or on dialysis.

The groups have called on EsSalud’s current leadership and the incoming government to adopt a binding payment schedule for recognized debts and to restore stable procurement practices, especially as the approaching El Niño phenomenon is expected to increase infectious disease demand. The shortages and perceived mismanagement have fueled public distrust in state institutions, echoed in opinion commentary that cites irregular attendance of Ministry of Health doctors and Ministry of Education teachers as further eroding confidence in public services.

Stakeholders warn that without swift remedial measures, many families could face critical treatment interruptions.