Contracts despite suspicion: medication and the controversy around the antitrust case

Contracts despite suspicion: medication and the controversy around the antitrust case

Effects of the "Cartels of the Medicinas" on the public sector

In a sensational case of corruption within the health sector, six out of fifteen companies that are examined for a suspected "cartel of the Medicinas" are still active in the contract business with the state. These companies must continue to receive orders from the public sector by at least 2025. This raises serious questions about the integrity and transparency of public procurement processes.

The role of monitored companies

The Medifarma company, for example, has a current contract with the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño, which authorizes to deliver solutions for hemodialysis by mid -2025, and to take an amount of S/ 242 580. Another company, Instituto Quimioterápico SA, has contracts for a total of S/ 19,500,000 and several further orders with ESSALUD in the amount of S/ 2 338 624.67, which apply until next year.

The background and legal challenges

KARLA GAVIño, expert in public administration, describes the dynamics of the tender procedure as a "tournament -like" selection in which companies deny to manipulate the chances of winning for certain orders. These agreements thus dismiss the competition and expose public health to a high risk.

The national investigative authorities, Indecopi, have so far identified at least 23 procurement processes that have taken place since 2006 and have a total value of over S/ 6 040 789 235. This is significant insofar as the public health expenditure by the former health minister, Óscar Ugarte, is estimated to be around S/ 2,500,000,000, with a large part flows into medication.

risk of lack of drugs

ugarte points out that the public sector is in a dilemma: When companies deny, problems arise with the tenders, which means that they often have to be explained as "deserted". However, this could have fatal effects, since the Ministry of Health Minsa and Esalud, the major actors in the pharmaceutical supply, then have difficulty maintaining the necessary care. As a result, the state could be forced to buy more expensive and in lower quantities, which endangers public health.

the need for reforms

The persistent contracts with the suspected companies show the gaps in the existing control mechanisms. Gaviño emphasizes that it is crucial to strengthen the control organs and integrity systems in order to contain the influence of such illegal practices. Draconian measures against responsible bodies are necessary to regain the trust of the public in the government and to ensure the quality of health care.

- Nag