Cancer Drug Shortage in Bolivia: Regional Gov't Disputes Health Ministry Claims on Funding

A critical shortage of cancer medications at the Oncology Institute of the East in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, has intensified a dispute between the national Ministry of Health and the regional government. Patients are facing interrupted treatments, with one expressing profound distress, fearing death due to the lack of essential drugs like Pertuzumab.

The Ministry of Health asserted on Tuesday that it had fulfilled its financial obligations and facilitated a donation of cancer drugs valued at Bs 60,838.41. The Ministry stated that it transfers funds to departmental governments for acquiring oncology drugs for third-level public health facilities, and that the Oncology Institute is responsible for its own procurement based on needs.

However, German Antelo, the Health and Human Development Secretary for the Santa Cruz Governorate, rejected the Ministry's claims. He stated that the funds from the Unified Health System (SUS) were not registered or disbursed according to the establishment's needs. Antelo detailed a significant funding deficit, citing a requested Bs 44,244,112 for the first four months of 2026, with only Bs 15,641,110 registered by the Ministry, leaving a difference of Bs 28,603,002. He also mentioned a shortfall of Bs 19,334,989 for the second four-month period, which was supposed to be transferred between May and August but had not yet arrived.

The ongoing crisis has caused deep concern among patients, who are demanding immediate action from both national and departmental authorities. The situation underscores a significant gap in the provision of essential cancer treatments, with conflicting accounts from government bodies about financial responsibilities and resource allocation.