The multiple delays in the consolidated purchasing process have raised concerns about the risk of shortages of medications, devices, and medical supplies in the public health sector, according to Enrique Martínez, general director of the Pharmaceutical Institute of Mexico (Inefam). Martínez pointed out that the new purchasing model has faced some obstacles, which increases the likelihood of shortages if delivery of the items is not achieved.
At the Medical Devices Expansion Forum, Martínez mentioned that it will be until the second quarter of this year when it can be determined whether there will be a shortage in institutions such as IMSS, ISSSTE, IMSS Bienestar, Marina, Pemex, and other 21 health institutions that depend on this bidding. He highlighted that the situation regarding shortages can be assessed in March or April.
The director of Inefam indicated that there are currently approximately 1.4 billion items of medications, devices, and medical supplies that have yet to be awarded, but it is expected that in the second phase of the purchase, they will be assigned to more than 400 participating suppliers. Martínez explained that of the nearly 17.5 billion pesos allocated so far in the first part of the consolidated purchase, there is still a considerable amount to be used to increase the number of necessary items.
Martínez mentioned that the consolidated purchase, which represents 50% of the necessary items, could cover up to 70% in the second phase. He pointed out that while the consolidated purchase is important, it does not solve everything and only addresses part of the required items for the health sector. Currently, the consolidated purchase of medications, devices, and medical supplies for the period 2025-2026 is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Health (Ssa) and Biologics and Reagents of Mexico (Birmex) with the objective of supplying the 3,900 keys required in the health sector.
