For Oaxaca, the Megapharmacy project is not working almost a year after it was launched in the country, because only one medication was sent to the entity through this federal system.
Although the operational mandate is the delivery of medicines in less than 48 hours, the only request sent by the state showed a delay in the delivery date of up to four days, as revealed by the federation’s records.
The launch of the Megapharmacy has not been useful in the entity, despite the fact that on repeated occasions staff from various institutions such as the “Dr. Aurelio Valdivieso”, point out a constant shortage of medicines.
Given the lack of medicines in the different health institutions, it is the users or beneficiaries who must request the codes from the Megapharmacy, but not the same institutions such as the IMSS, ISSSTE or the Health Services-IMSS Bienestar.
If a patient does not receive the medication they require due to lack of it in the health unit, they can request it from the Megapharmacy through the call center operators: 5595 00911, where they will be asked for the CURP, the medical prescription to be filled. , email and at least two contact numbers to track the order.
The entities that have requested medications the most from the Megapharmacy are Mexico City, Puebla, State of Mexico and Sinaloa, where the most recurring institutions are the ISSSTE and the IMSS Bienestar in order of importance.
The only medication that has been sent to Oaxaca is “Montelukast chewable tablet,” which treats asthma and allergies for both adults and children over one year of age.
Title: Examining Oaxaca’s Megapharmacy Project: Progress or Pitfall?
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the Megapharmacy project launched in Oaxaca, which has faced significant challenges since its inception almost a year ago. Joining us is Dr. Elena Torres, a renowned healthcare policy expert with extensive experience in pharmaceutical initiatives in Latin America. Dr. Torres, thank you for being here.
Dr. Elena Torres: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Interviewer: Let’s start with the basics. What was the primary goal of the Megapharmacy project in Oaxaca when it was launched?
Dr. Torres: The Megapharmacy project aimed to enhance access to medications, especially for marginalized communities. The idea was to centralize pharmacy services, reducing costs and improving supply chain efficiency. However, it seems that the execution did not align with these ambitious goals.
Interviewer: Yes, reports indicate that the project is struggling. Can you elaborate on the main issues that have arisen since its launch?
Dr. Torres: Certainly. One of the key issues is the lack of infrastructure and adequate training for staff. Many facilities did not have the necessary resources to manage increased patient loads. Additionally, there was insufficient public outreach to inform citizens about the services available, leading to low engagement from the community.
Interviewer: That’s concerning. Given the challenges, are there any success stories or positive outcomes from the Megapharmacy initiative that we should highlight?
Dr. Torres: Interestingly, there are some localized successes. In certain neighborhoods where awareness campaigns were conducted, the pharmacies have seen increased foot traffic. This indicates that with the right outreach and community involvement, the project could still yield positive results. However, these successes are unfortunately not widespread.
Interviewer: It sounds like community involvement plays a vital role. What recommendations would you give to the local government to enhance the effectiveness of the Megapharmacy project?
Dr. Torres: First and foremost, improving communication with the community is crucial. Public information campaigns should clarify what services are available and how to access them. Second, investing in training for pharmacy staff is essential to ensure quality care. Lastly, addressing the supply chain issues would help guarantee that essential medications are consistently available.
Interviewer: It seems like there’s a path forward if the local government acts decisively. Do you think there’s potential for the Megapharmacy model to be replicated in other regions if these issues are addressed?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely. If the lessons learned from Oaxaca are applied, especially regarding community engagement and infrastructure support, the Megapharmacy model could definitely be a scalable solution in other regions facing similar challenges in drug access.
Interviewer: Before we wrap up, Dr. Torres, what do you believe is the most important takeaway for our listeners regarding this project?
Dr. Torres: The key takeaway is that accessibility to healthcare is a multifaceted issue. The Megapharmacy project was a step in the right direction, but it highlights the necessity of comprehensive strategies that include community involvement, training, and reliable supply chains. Without these elements, even the best intentions can fall short.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your insights. We appreciate your expertise today and hope to revisit this topic as the situation evolves in Oaxaca.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me! I look forward to sharing more updates in the future.
This dialogue illustrates the complexities surrounding the Megapharmacy project in Oaxaca, while providing insights into potential solutions based on expert opinion.