At the XVIII National Convention of Healthcare Providers in the Chemical-Pharmaceutical Industry, the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios or COFEPRIS), underscored the need to promote best practices in health regulations as measures to decrease the price of medications. It was indicated that these policies have succeeded in reducing costs in this area by 70 percent. Emphasis was also made on promoting joint work in partnership with the industry to improve standards in coming years.

In addition, it was pointed out that 540 registrations for generic medications for 39 active substances released to address 71 percent of the causes of mortality in Mexico were authorized during the last administration, as expressed by the head of the Commission, Julio Sánchez y Tépoz. He also stated that Mexico needs an integrated health sector with active participation by the industry to “work in a united manner and for the benefit of the population to develop and maintain the standards achieved in coming years.” “The pharmaceutical sector is a priority for the health agency and a strategic sector for the country,” he added.

The XVII Convention was held from August 23-25 in the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, and brought together industry representatives, authorized third parties, and the health authority.