Mexican cancer medication supply dispute

The situation involves a dispute over the availability of oncological medications within the Mexican healthcare system. Federal Deputy Verónica Martínez García has formally demanded that authorities ensure a continuous supply of medicines for cancer patients in Coahuila, arguing that treatment interruptions pose a direct risk to lives. She proposed improvements to purchase planning, inventory supervision, and early warning systems to prevent stockouts.

In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum stated in a government report that no cancer treatment hospital lacks necessary medications, defending the administration’s consolidated purchase policies and infrastructure expansion.

However, the distribution model faces criticism. The state-owned company Birmex has reportedly struggled with failed distributions, necessitating the use of the military and private companies to fill gaps. Additionally, the 2025-2026 consolidated purchase process was reportedly annulled by the Secretaría Anticorrupción due to detected irregularities. Critics also point to rising numbers of Mexicans without health service access and instability caused by the decentralization of responsibilities across various institutions.