The Health Committee is close to passing a bill on the promotion and access to drugs. The initiative is based on bills introduced by several opposition legislators from Fuerza Popular and Alianza por el Progreso. It declares the regulation of drugs of national interest and public need and establishes guidelines, which allow access to medications and guarantee the right to health. The Committee is expected to issue a ruling in April.

The Committee has already a draft, which has not yet been released. However, it postponed its approval to receive greater contributions from the following entities:

• Ministry of Health (Minsa)
• National Association of Pharmaceutical Laboratories (ALAFARPE)
• Association of National Pharmaceutical Industries.
• National Institute for the Defense of Competition and Protection of Intellectual Property (INDECOPI)
• Peruvian Association of Consumers and Users (Aspec)

Creation of the National Food and Drug Control Authority

The Health Committee is also studying a proposal, which was introduced by the ruling party, that creates the National Authority for the Control of Processed Food and Drugs. The National Society of Industries has already sent its contributions to Congress and the bill is expected to be debated in the Committee in April.