Patient reports three-month inability to get amlodipine in Caacupé

María Ramona Martínez, a resident of Caacupé, Paraguay, has voiced her frustration over a persistent shortage of amlodipine, a crucial medication for hypertension. She reported being unable to access the drug from the local health service pharmacy for the past three months. Martínez explained that while medications are distributed between the 1st and 5th of each month, the stock is always depleted by the time she arrives to collect her prescription.

The ongoing scarcity of essential medicines at the Cabañas health unit is causing significant worry among patients. The interruption of amlodipine treatment poses a serious risk to individuals with high blood pressure, who rely on the medication to manage their condition. This situation highlights a recurring problem, as patients report that despite official explanations, basic drug shortages continue month after month.

Dr. Luis Gómez, director of the Third Health Region, previously stated that medicines are sent to health facilities between the 1st and 5th of the month for distribution. He also noted that shortages should be reported by unit managers to request new stock. However, patient complaints indicate that supply remains insufficient to meet demand.

Frustrated by the continuous lack of medication, residents are urging the Ministry of Health and regional health authorities to implement a lasting solution. They demand a guarantee of permanent provision of essential medicines in public services to prevent further patients from going without necessary treatment.

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They say they distribute medications from the 1st to the 5th, but by the time I go, there's no stock left.