Latin American health authorities alert to medicine shortages and counterfeits

Multiple health crises involving medication shortages, counterfeits, and regulatory breaches are affecting several Latin American nations.

In Honduras, a monitoring report by the Asociación para una Sociedad más Justa (ASJ) reveals that 30% of patients in the public health network did not receive their full treatment in July. The shortage is particularly acute at the Instituto Hondureño de Seguridad Social (IHSS), where 39% of patients reported incomplete treatments. The report notes that the situation has been stagnant since February despite a declared health emergency.

In Venezuela, health authorities issued an urgent alert regarding the illegal circulation of counterfeit Perjeta (pertuzumab) 420 mg, used for treating HER2-positive breast cancer. Specifically, lot JN824 has been identified as fraudulent; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. confirmed this lot does not correspond to any legitimate manufacturing record. Authorities warn that the origin and sterility of these units cannot be guaranteed.

In Peru, EsSalud is investigating the suspected diversion of nutritional products found in a commercial gallery in Lima. Additionally, Susalud fined Clínica Delgado approximately S/69,550 for unauthorized disclosure of a patient's medical history to the Public Ministry. Meanwhile, in Piura, electrical infrastructure at several health centers is being inspected to ensure backup power during the El Niño phenomenon.

In Panama, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) warned against the illegal sale of unregistered medicines through the brand AminoLives on social media and its website, citing risks to safety and efficacy.