On Sunday, March 25th, the last presidential debate took place before the runoff voting. Carlos Alvarado (Partido Acción Ciudadana, ruling party) and Fabricio Alvarado (Restauración Nacional, opposition) were consulted about their plans to avoid drug overpricing. Both candidates agreed that control of the price of drugs sold in pharmacies across the country was necessary, as a way to reduce what people pay for medications.

The candidate of Restauración Nacional stated that the National Assembly should pass a law regarding medicines’ prices. The Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) would be  responsible for controlling compliance with established limits.

In addition, according to Fabricio Alvarado, these results would be achievable during his administration, since his party obtained 14 seats in the legislative election February 4th. The Consumer Protection Office would be in charge of reviewing the drugs offered in the pharmacies.

On the other hand, Carlos Alvarado said that Frente Amplio (an ally of the ruling party) has already introduced an initiative. His concern is to harm the market, in an attempt to benefit citizens, and thus discourage the arrival of cutting-edge treatments. The candidate of Acción Ciudadana would also create a register of pharmacies and prices, which would allow citizens to easily find the cheapest store. Alvarado believes that the Ministry of Health should quicken the processes of registration, entry and qualification of drugs, so that best medications are available to the user.