More Accessible Medicines for Cancer in Panama
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the National Oncology Institute (ION) of Panama met to explore new opportunities for collaboration in the procurement of essential medicines for the treatment of cancer through the PAHO Strategic Fund. The Strategic Fund, a regional mechanism for the joint procurement of medicines and health supplies, offers countries in the Americas the possibility of accessing quality, safe and affordable products.
Since its creation in 2000, this mechanism has proven to be an effective tool for strengthening health systems and improving access to life-saving treatments. During the meeting, led by Nora Girón and Kemel Hallar of the PAHO Strategic Fund team, the portfolio of medicines, diagnostic kits and other supplies that could be acquired was highlighted, as well as the technical cooperation provided by PAHO to improve the quantification and planning of these supplies, allowing access to medicines at significantly lower prices, representing savings of between 50% and 90%. “This meeting marks an important milestone in our collaboration with the National Cancer Institute,” said Leah Mari Richards, PAHO Health Systems and Services Advisor in Panama.
“By taking advantage of the Strategic Fund, we can strengthen the ION’s capacity to provide quality treatments to cancer patients and contribute to improving health outcomes.” For his part, Dr. Julio Javier Santamaria Rubio, Director General of ION, highlighted the importance of this alliance: “Collaboration with PAHO and the Strategic Fund will allow us to optimize access to essential medicines for the treatment of cancer, which translates into a better quality of life for our patients.”
In the coming months, PAHO and ION will work together to consolidate the demand for oncology medicines and explore new opportunities for collaboration. This strategic alliance will strengthen the Panamanian health system and guarantee access to quality treatments for cancer patients in Panama.
