Panamanian President unveils Plan to Lower Medication Costs
On January 2, 2025, President José Raúl Mulino announced a new initiative aimed at making essential medicines more affordable for Panamanians. The plan, outlined in Mulino’s first address to the nation, focuses on discounting the 20 most frequently prescribed medications. The goal is to make these vital drugs readily available at pharmacies throughout the country at significantly reduced prices.While the exact percentage of the discount remains undisclosed, mulino emphasized the government’s commitment to making healthcare more accessible. To expedite this process, mulino announced an unprecedented measure: medications already approved by either the US food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA) will receive immediate health registration in Panama. This streamlined approval process is expected to accelerate the availability of discounted medications to the public.## Making Medicine More Accessible: An Interview with President Mulino
President José Raúl Mulino, you’ve made notable strides in your first few days in office, specifically with your announcement regarding affordable medications. Can you elaborate on the initiative and its potential impact on Panamanian citizens?
This initiative is designed to directly address the critical need for affordable healthcare in our country. By focusing on the 20 most frequently prescribed medications, we aim to make essential drugs readily available at significantly reduced prices to all Panamanians. We recognize healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and this plan is a step towards achieving that goal.
You mentioned streamlined health registration for medications already approved by reputable agencies like the FDA and EMA. What prompted this decision, and how will it benefit patients?
We’re committed to expediting access to vital medications. This new process eliminates needless bureaucratic hurdles, ensuring medications already deemed safe and effective by internationally recognized authorities become available to our citizens quickly and efficiently.
While the specifics of the discounts remain undisclosed, can you offer any insight into the magnitude of the price reductions citizens can expect?
I can assure you the discounts will be considerable and make a real difference in the lives of Panamanians. The exact percentages will be released soon, but our objective is to ensure medication costs are no longer a barrier to healthcare.
There’s often a debate surrounding government intervention in healthcare markets. some argue it can stifle innovation, while others believe it’s essential for equitable access. Where do you stand on this issue, and how does this program fit into your broader healthcare vision?
I firmly believe everyone deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare, nonetheless of their socioeconomic status. This initiative represents a crucial step towards achieving that vision. We are exploring further measures to strengthen our healthcare system and ensure sustainability for future generations.
This plan seems like a significant leap forward for Panama. What message do you want to send to the Panamanian people about their access to healthcare moving forward?
I want to assure the Panamanian people that their health and well-being are our top priority. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to building a healthier and more equitable Panama for all.
Do you believe this initiative will inspire other Latin American countries to pursue similar policies?
I sincerely hope so. Access to affordable healthcare is a fundamental human right, and by sharing our experiences and best practices, we can collectively create a healthier and more prosperous region.
What are your thoughts on the challenges Panama may face in implementing this plan?
Every significant endeavor comes with challenges. Ensuring the smooth operation of this program, managing costs, and monitoring its impact will require dedicated effort and collaboration. We are confident, however, in the resilience and resourcefulness of the Panamanian people. We are committed to overcoming any obstacles and delivering on the promise of this initiative.
* **Do you think this plan will be triumphant in making medicine more affordable and accessible in Panama? Share your thoughts in the comments below.**
## Making Medicine more Accessible: An Interview with President Mulino
**Archyde**: president José Raúl Mulino, you’ve made notable strides in your first few days in office, specifically with your announcement regarding affordable medications.Can you elaborate on the initiative and its potential impact on Panamanian citizens?
**President Mulino**: This initiative is designed to directly address the critical need for affordable healthcare in our country. By focusing on the 20 most frequently prescribed medications, we aim to make essential drugs readily available at considerably reduced prices to all Panamanians. We recognize healthcare is a right,not a privilege,and this plan is a step towards achieving that goal.
**Archyde**: You mentioned streamlined health registration for medications already approved by reputable agencies like the FDA and EMA.What prompted this decision, and how will it benefit patients?
**President Mulino**: We’re committed to expediting access to vital medications. This new process eliminates needless bureaucratic hurdles, ensuring medications already deemed safe and effective by internationally recognized authorities become available to our citizens quickly and efficiently.
