The state of Jalisco is experiencing a significant shortage of essential medications across its healthcare facilities, ranking as the third most affected entity in Mexico regarding medicine shortages, trailing only Mexico City and the State of Mexico. According to data from the Cero Desabasto collective, this shortage is impacting healthcare delivery at multiple levels.
Key Impacts:
1. The shortage particularly affects medications for psychiatric and neurological conditions, including:
– Clozapine
– Risperidone
– Lithium carbonate (critical for managing schizophrenia and bipolar disorder)
2. Chronic disease medications are also affected, with shortages reported for:
– Insulin for diabetes management
– Amlodipine for hypertension control
Response from Health Authorities:
Health Secretary Héctor Raúl Pérez Gómez has announced a two-phase action plan:
1. Immediate Response:
– An emergency purchase of medications to last 45 days
– Targeting 90% coverage across all health regions in the state
2. Long-term Solution:
– A national public tender will be conducted to secure medication supply for the remainder of the year
Currently, pharmacies in the health sector are actively monitoring medication availability across secondary and tertiary care facilities, including health centers, regional facilities, community hospitals, and high-specialty hospitals. Many patients are being forced to return home with unfilled prescriptions, with pharmacy managers advising them to return another day.
The state’s health minister has prioritized addressing this shortage and ensuring the availability of out-of-stock medicines across all regional hospitals and health centers.