Guatemala expands drug program amid supply concerns
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The government of Guatemala, under President Bernardo Arévalo, has increased the number of PROAM pharmacies, a program offering affordable generic medicines, but these pharmacies often have limited stock.
PROAM began in 1997 to lower medication costs, but has faced ongoing challenges. The current administration recently reported 233 PROAM locations throughout the country, including PROAM pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, municipal pharmacies, and social sales outlets, and launched a digital platform to help people find medications.
The expansion aimed to reach more people in Guatemala’s 340 municipalities, now reaching 141 of them, but simply having a nearby pharmacy does not guarantee patients can find the drugs they need. While the government claims a public system average of over 90% drug supply, users report shortages. Though the official catalog includes around 184 medications, including pain relievers, antibiotics, and metabolic drugs, actual availability varies.
Many PROAM locations operate as small outlets with limited inventories, hindering the program’s ability to significantly reduce financial strain on families. Some citizens also express distrust in the effectiveness of the generic medications offered. The government’s promise to improve healthcare access and reduce medication costs remains unfulfilled as the program’s impact is limited by inconsistent supplies.
